A crackdown on illegal vape sales has been promised by Trading Standards chiefs in the borough.

The move comes against the background of evidence that convenience stores and mobile phone shops are cashing in from illegal sales.

On the face of it, many of them are making more money from vape sales – many to children - than from their main business.

It is illegal to sell electronic cigarettes or vapes to anyone under the age of 18.

The labeling should not closely resemble foods, sweets, or include cartoon images that might appeal to children.

Dangerous 'Spice vape' and 'Cannabis vape' sold in borough shops.

Separately, there are also concerns that some shops are selling dangerous and highly addictive 'Spice vapes' and so-called 'Cannabis vapes', which claim to contain chemicals that mimic marijuana.

There is a thriving criminal culture across the borough linked to sales of vapes containing dangerous addictive chemicals, which are changing the behaviour of youngsters, so ruining their education and exam results.

The liquids, sold in clear plastic bottles for as much as £50 each, are associated with extreme paranoia, anxiety and recklessness.

Nationally, there were 32 cases of under-18s being hospitalised due to e-cigarettes in 2022

Nub News first highlighted the crisis two years ago with the Twickenham MP responding by calling for police action. To date, there have been no prosecutions or fines.

Nationally, there were 32 cases of under-18s being hospitalised due to e-cigarettes in 2022. Credit: RBC.

Richmond Council said: "Trading Standards Officers will undertake unannounced visits to premises throughout the borough.

"To protect the community, any illegal or unsafe products are liable to be seized and traders found making illegal underage sales may be prosecuted and fined."

Legal vapes – sold to adults - should have:

A maximum tank size of 2ml for an e-cigarette, which is about 600 puffs

A maximum volume of 10ml for a nicotine-containing refill container

A maximum strength of nicotine-containing liquid if present, 20mg/ml nicotine

A clear health warning 'This product contains nicotine which is a highly addictive substance'

* If you have any concerns, report these to Trading Standards by calling Citizens Advice on 0808 223 1133.