Hounslow (Parliament Politics Magazine) – Hounslow Council recently seized nearly £33,000 worth of illegal vapes, cigarettes, and shisha in a major crackdown on illicit products.
Seven establishments sold illegal tobacco to the council’s undercover officer during a series of test purchases conducted throughout the borough by the council’s Trading Standards team in collaboration with Met policing teams as part of their ongoing efforts to combat the sale of illicit and counterfeit goods.
Following a series of raids in Chiswick, Feltham, and Hounslow, illicit goods were later found in 16 locations:
- 4,859 illegal vapes worth about £30,000
- 3,806 illegal cigarettes worth £3,000
- 16 kg of shisha
- 11 kg of chewing tobacco.
The seized vapes were either unregistered and unlawfully sold in the UK, or they exceeded the permitted tank size and nicotine strength limitations.
Since the Single Use Vape ban was implemented on June 1, 2025, disposable vapes have been prohibited in the United Kingdom. The sale of disposable vapes is now punishable by a £200 punishment for the first offense and by unlimited fines and up to two years in jail for subsequent offenders.
These companies are the subject of ongoing investigations, and after the investigations are finished, appropriate enforcement action will be taken.
Councillor Pritam Grewal, Cabinet Member for Community Safety and Enforcement at Hounslow Council, said:
‘‘The sale of illegal tobacco and vapes is a serious issue that harms our communities and puts the health of our residents at risk. These products are unregulated, unsafe, and can cause young people to become addicted to nicotine.
Our Trading Standards team is working tirelessly to protect residents and ensure local businesses trade responsibly. We will continue to take firm action against those who seek to profit at the expense of public health and community safety.’’
Unknown and dangerous compounds, including high quantities of tar and nicotine, as well as pollutants like lead and arsenic, can be found in illegal, unregulated tobacco and vapes.
Unknown and dangerous composites, including high amounts of nicotine, as well as pollutants like lead and arsenic, can be set up in illegal, limited tobacco and vapes.
These products, which are constantly made in unsanitary conditions and sold for money, make it simpler for youth to start smoking or vaping and more difficult for others to stop.
How does the council aim at illegal tobacco transactions in neighborhoods?
Hounslow Council addresses illegal tobacco transactions with enforcement, intelligence collection, and community participation combined. Working nearly with the Metropolitan Police and HM Revenue & Customs, the council conducts targeted raids on suspects of dealing illegal tobacco, cigarettes, vapes, and shisha products.
The council also uses test purchases and examinations to cover compliance with tobacco regulations. They engage in mindfulness and outreach programs to educate residents about the harms of illegal tobacco, which frequently contains dangerous substances and finances organized crime.
Cross-agency collaborations and participation in broader enterprises like Operation CeCe further strengthen enforcement capacity. The council’s approach balances enforcement with education to cover public health.
