THOUSANDS of illegal vapes have been seized in Cheshire.

A Freedom of Information request has revealed the number of vapes, cigarettes and tobacco products seized in the UK since 2016.

It has shown that in Cheshire West and Chester, there has been 6,245 vapes seized in 2023 alone.

Meanwhile, there has been a significant drop in the number of cigarette packs seized, from 7,597 in 2022 to 2,619 in 2023.

Trading Standards has explained that these figures were 'artificially inflated' by one particular seizure last year.

A spokesperson for Cheshire West and Chester Council said: “Enforcement activity in relation to illegal cigarettes and hand rolling tobacco remains a priority for Trading Standards.

“Although the total seizure figure for 2022/23 may be lower than 2021/22, there was an increase in the number of premises inspected and the number of seizures within 2022/23.

“The 2021/22 figures have been artificially inflated by one large seizure of cigarettes.

The Freedom of Information request, submitted by Vape Club, has also revealed there has been 260 hand rolling tobacco products seized this year.

This is up from 20 last year.