Report finds illegal substances in many school-confiscated vapes, urging stricter controls

Research into vaping devices taken from students across England found that many contain illegal substances such as heavy metals, uncontrolled additives, and even the cannabinoid Spice, which can cause severe poisoning. Educators observe daily vaping in school toilets, and a considerable proportion of pupils have experimented with vaping. The study highlights that unlicensed “phoenix” shops continue to sell counterfeit products despite legal actions, facilitating organized crime profits.

Police and public-health agencies stress the health dangers of these untested liquids. Campaigners, led by NHS doctors and the Stamp Out Vapes group, call for compulsory licensing of retailers, stricter product safety inspections, and more robust enforcement. The government has recently passed the Tobacco and Vapes Act and plans to consult on a retail licensing scheme, but critics say the response is too slow.