Nearly 65,500 illegal vaping devices have been seized in Leicester over the past five years, according to new figures released under the Freedom of Information Act.
Data obtained by Midland Health from Leicester City Council shows that 65,496 unregulated vapes were confiscated between January 2020 and December 2025, with an estimated total value of £785,955.
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The findings come amid growing concerns over the scale of the illegal vape market. Recent reporting by the Liverpool Echo suggested that illicit vape sales were generating profits in some areas that rival those of cocaine trafficking. The claims followed enforcement action in Liverpool, where a shop was ordered to close after multiple breaches of vape regulations in September.
Midland Health said the scale of seizures in Leicester highlights both the efforts of local enforcement teams and the continuing challenge posed by unregulated products.
Dr Rupa Parmar, GP and Medical Director of Midland Health, praised the council’s actions but warned that the figures may only represent part of the problem.
“We commend local councils for taking measures against the sales of illegal vapes, but it’s concerning that we still don’t know the full number of unregulated vapes that are still available to the public,” she said.
Dr Parmar also challenged the perception of vaping as a harmless alternative to smoking.
“A lot of people still talk about vaping as a ‘safer’ alternative to smoking, but it is not risk-free. The most important thing to remember is that most vapes contain nicotine, which is incredibly addictive. If you have never smoked, you really shouldn’t start vaping,” she said.
She added that clinicians are already seeing side effects including headaches, persistent coughs and throat irritation, while the long-term health impacts remain uncertain.
Of particular concern, Dr Parmar said, is the composition of illegal devices entering the UK market. Scientific testing on seized products has identified potentially dangerous substances, including nickel, copper and cadmium. Some devices were also found to contain lead, a toxic metal linked to serious health problems such as heart disease, stroke and anaemia.
“It’s truly scary what is being hidden inside these illegal devices,” she said. “Some have even been found to have nicotine levels equivalent to smoking hundreds of cigarettes.”
The government’s ban on disposable vapes was described by Midland Health as a positive step, but Dr Parmar argued that further restrictions and tighter product regulation may be needed to curb the availability of unsafe products.
Leicester City Council has not yet commented on the findings.
