Illegal Vapes and £2,500 in Counterfeit Goods Seized at Wokingham Car Boot Sale

Illegal Vapes and £2,500 in Counterfeit Goods Seized at Wokingham Car Boot Sale

Trading standards officers from the Public Protection Partnership (PPP) confiscated illegal vapes and approximately £2,500 worth of counterfeit clothing during a raid at a car boot sale in Wokingham, Berkshire. The operation, conducted on Sunday, resulted in the seizure of around 480 counterfeit garments from various well-known brands, as well as disposable vapes that violated UK regulations.

The counterfeit goods were seized under the Consumer Rights Act, while the vapes contained up to 18ml of nicotine liquid—far exceeding the 2ml limit established by the Tobacco and Related Product Regulations 2016. These regulations are designed to protect users from excessive nicotine intake by limiting the capacity of vape tanks.

Councillor Jordan Montgomery emphasized the dangers of purchasing counterfeit products, warning that they are often linked to organized crime networks and can harm both consumers and legitimate businesses. “Counterfeit goods may appear harmless, but they are typically of inferior quality and can be dangerous to users,” he said. “We are committed to working with the public, brand holders, and event organizers to eradicate these illegal business practices.”

The PPP, which operates across Wokingham, West Berkshire, and Bracknell Forest, highlighted that counterfeit products contribute to significant economic losses in the UK, estimated at around £9 billion annually. These illegal goods not only undermine the demand for genuine items but are also often produced under unethical conditions, including poor wages and forced labor.

Montgomery urged consumers to remain vigilant and support legitimate businesses, stating that the sale of counterfeit items damages brand owners and harms local economies.