Illegal vape sellers offering hand delivery service to bypass disposables ban
Black market sellers are using door-to-door delivery services to evade laws and target minors.Summary
An investigation has revealed that illegal vape sellers are bypassing Trading Standards by offering same-day, door-to-door delivery services via social media and encrypted apps like Telegram and Signal. This method allows them to evade age checks, making it easy for minors to purchase illegal products, including vapes potentially laced with cannabis.
Experts warn that these sellers operate like private delivery accounts rather than legitimate retailers, lacking age verification and traceable order processes. The UK's disposable vape ban, intended to protect youth and reduce environmental waste, is being undermined by a black market estimated at £6 billion annually. Despite the ban, millions of vapes continue to be discarded weekly, and vaping rates among children remain a significant public health concern.
(Source：Mirror)
