More than 800 illegal vapes seized from Luton store

Dec 21, 2023

Ishaq Faruk had previously pleaded guilty to selling vape pens to children in July 2022.

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A Luton store and two of its employees have been prosecuted for possessing and selling more than 800 illegal vapes, after an investigation by Luton Trading Standards.

Usman Faruk aged 21, Director of Cloud No. 9 Limited and his brother Ishaq Faruk aged 20, both of Oakley Road, Luton, appeared at Luton Magistrates on May 24, 2023. Usman Faruk had previously pleaded guilty to being in possession of 843 non-compliant nicotine-inhaling devices (vape pens) when Officers from Trading Standards visited his premises in George Street, Luton in March 2022.

The non-compliant vape pens were seized and taken from the premises. Ishaq Faruk had previously pleaded guilty to selling vape pens to children in July 2022 and obstructing a Trading Standards Officer by providing him with false details.

READ MORE: The stories of criminals put behind bars in Bedfordshire in May

District Judge Dodd sentenced the company to pay a total of £4145, comprising of £2450 in fines, a victim surcharge of £980 and costs of £715. Penalties totalling £1765 were imposed on Usman Faruk, whilst Ishaq Faruk was sentenced to pay £4145.

Illegal vaping devices are more dangerous than their regulated counterparts as contain chemicals that are banned in this country and are harmful to health. All disposable vape pens that exceed 600 puffs, containing 2ml of liquid and 2 per cent nicotine content, are illegal.

Cllr Maria Lovell, portfolio holder for Women, Equalities and Community Safety said: "’The sale of illicit tobacco, vape pens and shisha is often linked to wider organised criminal activity, so we have good reason to be vigilant. It is also putting people's health at risk, which is particularly concerning when under 18s are being sold to by traders.

"Luton Trading Standards are continuing to clamp down on the sale of illegal vapes and tobacco. Their interventions have resulted in Luton landlords terminating the lease on at 6 premises, 3 for non-duty paid and counterfeit cigarettes, and they are in the process of undertaking 2 more. Other businesses are on final warnings before their leases are terminated."