Over 1.4m illegal cigarettes and vapes seized in Glasgow in five years

More than 1.4 million illicit cigarettes have been seized by Glasgow’s Trading Standards over the last five years, according to fresh reports.

Figures being presented to members of the environment and liveable neighbourhoods policy committee next week show that since 2021, the number of “illicit” cigarettes confiscated has varied but has decreased overall.

The number sat at 218,580 in 2021 and reached 199,405 by 2025. Between January and June 2026, there were 132,845 illegal cigarettes discovered by Trading Standards.

Meanwhile, the total number of illicit vapes formerly known as NVPs (Nicotine Vapour Products) seized between 2021 and 2025 was 32,366.

A youth survey carried out by the Scottish Government also found that 18.8% of 11 – 17-year-olds have tried vaping and that vaping was more common than smoking.

The survey also found that 7.4% of this age group identify themselves as vape users compared to 4.4% as smokers, and around 40% of 15-year-old females have tried vaping.

A report being presented to members states: “Tobacco continues to be internationally recognised as a major public health threat.

“Smoking damages lives across Scotland, with 685,000 adults in Scotland currently active smokers. Smoking remains the leading preventable cause of premature death and illness in Scotland and is estimated to be responsible for one in five deaths each year.

“Nicotine Vapour Products (NVP), commonly known as vapes, are intended as a smoking cessation tool, not meant to be used by children, young people or adult non-smokers.”

The Scottish Parliament passed regulations to ban single-use vapes from 1st April 2025. This implementation date was delayed until 1st June 2025 to align with the rest of the UK.

Under the new legislation, single-use vapes are no longer to be stocked or sold in Scotland, but Glasgow Trading Standards have seized 9,629 single-use vapes and issued 11 Single Use Vape Ban Fixed Penalty Notices so far in 2026.

Following the Union Street fire in March, Trading Standards undertook a series of targeted registration visits across the city centre.

Of the 116 visits they identified 26 unregistered premises and through a further 71 visits near key transport hubs (including subway stations) they identified 15 unregistered businesses.

The report states: “All identified businesses were provided with advice on their legal obligations, including guidance on registering with the Scottish Tobacco and Nicotine Vapour Product Register. Registration forms were issued where appropriate.

“To date, seventeen Fixed Penalty Notices have been issued to businesses that failed to register following advice.

“Enforcement activity in this area remains ongoing. An application to the court for a tobacco and vape banning order, following a business failing to register despite three FPNs being issued, is underway.”