Officers from Barrow’s Neighbourhood Policing (NPT) team have seized a significant quantity of illegal disposable vape pens and other products from a premises in Barrow Town centre.
The enforcement action took place on 7 August following a licensing visit to the premises. Upon inspection, officers discovered the items concealed within the shop, deliberately hidden from public view and not advertised for sale.
The matter has now been referred to colleagues at Trading Standards for further investigation
Sergeant Paul Holmes, Barrow NPT said: “These illegal products don’t just flout regulations, they also pose as a health and safety at risk to our communities.
“As a result of the seizure there is one less stash on the streets in Barrow.
“We remain committed to tackling the sale of illegal goods and protecting the wellbeing of our residents.”
A spokesperson from Westmorland and Furness Trading Standards added: "On receiving information from Cumbria Police, Westmorland and Furness Trading Standards revisited the business the following day and were alarmed to find a quantity of disposable vapes on sale at the premise, two months after the nationwide ban.
"Since 1 June 2025, it is illegal for a business to sell any single-use (disposable) vapes and applies to all retailers, including online stores. The illegal vapes were seized by Trading Standards officers and an investigation is ongoing.
"Westmorland and Furness residents are reminded that if they see any single-use vapes on sale in shops, or they believe a business is selling unregulated products, they can report this to Trading Standards by calling Citizens Advice Consumer Service on 0808 223 1133."
Barrow NPT continues to work closely with Trading Standards and other agencies to identify and disrupt the supply of illicit products in the area.