Illegal vapes making 'more money than cocaine' as Liverpool battles illicit trade
Illegal vape sales in Liverpool are incredibly profitable, even exceeding cocaine revenue, prompting crackdowns and revealing sophisticated concealment methods.Summary
The illegal vape trade in Liverpool is booming, generating more revenue than cocaine, according to officials. Raids have uncovered stashes worth over £100,000, with traders employing increasingly sophisticated methods to conceal illicit goods, such as hidden compartments and deactivated CCTV cameras. Despite a UK-wide ban on single-use vapes implemented this summer, many businesses continue to sell them, particularly to young people, with 78% of youth preferring disposable products. The trade is linked to organized crime groups, and authorities are concerned about the potential for these concealment methods to be used for more dangerous contraband. Beyond the financial implications, the proliferation of disposable vapes contributes significantly to litter and environmental concerns, and authorities are working to reduce youth vaping rates through enforcement and recycling initiatives.
(Source：Liverpool Echo)
