Swansea leads UK councils after £470k of illegal vapes seized since disposable ban

NEW FREEDOM of Information (FOI) data, analysed by the alternative nicotine product experts at Northerner, reveals the scale of illegal vape seizures across the UK since the disposable vape ban came into force in June 2025. The findings highlight the widespread availability of illicit products on the market, with trading standards teams seizing thousands of non-compliant and banned vape devices, raising concerns about the ongoing sale and distribution of illegal vaping products.

UK Councils With the Highest Number of Seized Items Since June 2025:

1. Bolton Metropolitan Borough Council – 250,023 prohibited items seized

At the top of the list is Bolton Metropolitan Borough Council, with over 250,000 non-compliant items seized since June 2025. The seizures took place at various locations, including post offices, pound shops, vehicles and even outdoor toilets. The council’s busiest month was March, when it seized 216,205 illegal vape products.

2. Hull City Council – 204,252 prohibited items seized

Hull City Council places second, reaching more than 204,250 seized vaping items. Between June and December 2025, the council consistently seized tens of thousands of prohibited products each month. However, during January and May 2026, these figures dropped to below 1,000 each month.

3. Ealing Borough Council – 86,203 prohibited items seized

Ealing Borough Council have seized over 86,200 non-compliant vape products since the disposable vape ban was introduced, putting them in third place. Despite this, the council only seized items in four of the twelve months (June 2025 to May 2026), with 97.7% (84,250) of all items seized being taken in February.

UK Councils Recording the Lowest Number of Seized Items Since June 2025:

Scotland accounts for four of the top 10 councils with the fewest seized items since the disposable vape ban was introduced. The Scottish Borders Council and Midlothian Council take first and second place, seizing five and 10 non-compliant items, respectively. Fife Council places fifth with 38 prohibited products seized, while Renfrewshire Council places ninth with 124 illegal vape items seized.

Despite England accounting for the other four councils in the top ten, they are spread across different regions: London (Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea), Greater Manchester (Trafford Metropolitan Borough Council), Tyne and Wear (North Tyneside Metropolitan Borough Council) and Merseyside (St Helens Metropolitan Borough Council). Wales accounts for the final two councils, with Torfaen County Borough Council seizing 77 items and Cardiff Council seizing 100 products.

UK Councils With the Highest Value of Seized Items:

1. Swansea Council – £470,000.00 worth of prohibited items seized

Swansea Council tops the rankings for the highest value of items seized, at an estimated £470,000. The council seized 47,200 non-compliant products between June 2025 and May 2026, all of which were taken from vape shops or convenience stores.

2. Westminster City Council – £201,687.90 worth of prohibited items seized

Westminster City Council places second, with almost £201,688 worth of illegal vape products seized within the specified timeframe. The highest value month was August, when 5,840 items were seized, with an approximate value of £116,800. 

3. Manchester City Council – £185,250.00 worth of prohibited items seized

An estimated £185,250 worth of illicit items have been seized by Manchester City Council since the disposable vape ban was introduced, putting them in third place. The council seized 12,350 non-compliant products from convenience/grocery stores and mobile phone shops.

Dr Marina Murphy, Senior Director of External Affairs UK and Scientific Affairs at Northerner, highlights the danger of the continued sale and distribution of illegal vape products in the UK: “When the legal market closes a door, the black market often opens a window.

“The continued availability of illicit vapes shows that prohibition without effective enforcement risks shifting supply from regulated businesses to criminals.

“Stronger licensing and oversight are needed to ensure consumer safety does not become the unintended casualty of regulation.

“As the government implements the Tobacco and Vapes Act, it should consider the Dutch Bibob model, which recognises that the strongest enforcement tool is often prevention.

“Rather than chasing illegal operators once they’ve done the harm, authorities would have the power to stop unsuitable businesses entering the market from the outset.”

A Bibob-like model would allow authorities to carry out enhanced background checks on licence applicants seeking to sell tobacco or nicotine products, and to refuse licences where there are credible links to criminal activity, rather than waiting for illegal activity to occur.“

For further information on how to spot counterfeit nicotine products, visit Northerner.