Swindon illegal vape seizure figures revealed
The Borough Council has released the data
Last updated 8th Oct 2026
The total number of vapes seized in Swindon, by the council, over the last year, has been revealed.
Data, released by Swindon Borough Council, has shown the total number of vapes seized by the authority/Trading Standards service in the town, between June 2025 and May 2026 and the estimated value of the products collected.
From June 2025 to January 2026, no vapes were seized in Swindon by the local authority, nor were any seized between March and May 2026.
The only month in which vapes were seized by the council was February 2026, which saw 188 disposable vapes found in convenience stores across Swindon.
In total, the vapes came to a £1,880 estimated retail value price.
It is worth noting that this data only goes up to May 2026 and that vapes are also seized by the Police and HMRC.
In August, the Adver reported that The Lavy, a vape shop on Commercial Road, had been shut down by police for the second time in five months, after ongoing concern around the sale of illicit vapes and tobacco.
The shop was closed in March, under a closure order, after officers attended and seized cash and counterfeit goods and cigarettes and re-opened after three months.
Police said they continued to get intelligence about trading of illegal goods at the shop.
On Friday August 21, at Swindon Magistrates’ Court, officers secured another three-month closure order.
PC Brown, based in the Swindon Central South NPT, said: “As we repeatedly say, the sale of illegal vapes and tobacco harms legitimate businesses and is co-ordinated by organised crime groups, to create funds and launder money.
“Not only that, but it is a health risk, due to the lack of quality controls on the products being sold. You simply don’t know what is in them.
“We will continue to patrol the area and ensure the order is being adhered to.
“If you have any concerns regarding suspected counterfeit goods, please tell us so we can use all relevant powers, to take the most appropriate action.”
In August, it was announced that councils will have more powers in the opening of vape shops in town centres, under government plans.
This would mean that all new shops, selling vapes or e-cigarettes, would have to apply to the local council, for permission to open.
There would also be new powers, to extend closure orders for vape shops and mini-marts discovered to be selling illegal tobacco, for up to 12 months.