The UK’s Illegal Nicotine Pouch Hotspots

Fake tobacco, vapes and cigarette seizures have been on the rise across the UK as government-funded projects aim to tackle enforcement around the sale and use of non-compliant products. But it’s not only vapers and smokers at risk.

According to recent statistics, 5% of adults use nicotine pouches with many turning to them as part of their efforts to quit smoking. With the rising popularity of pouches, a growing market for counterfeit goods means that fake nicotine pouches are becoming more common across the UK.

To find out how widespread the problem is we submitted FOI (Freedom of Information) requests to councils across England, Scotland and Wales to identify which areas have seen the highest number of illegal nicotine pouches from 1st January 2024 to 31st December 2024.

Our research shows that 23,000 illegal nicotine pouch products were seized last year across the UK which we valued at £90,850.

Where are the UK’s illegal nicotine pouch hotspots?

According to our research Sandwell Metropolitan Council in the West Midlands seized more nicotine pouches than any other UK council, with 7,790 in total.

Kent County Council was cited as the second biggest UK location for illegal nicotine pouches with 3,955 seized in total. These findings come after our previous research which showed that Kent is where the most illegal vapes were sold in the UK. With access through the Eurotunnel terminal and Pot of Dover, it’s unsurprising to see Kent make its way into the top 10 again.

The London Borough of Hackney was the UK location with the third highest number of nicotine pouch seizures at 1,549, making it London’s centre for illegal nicotine pouches with Croydon Borough Council coming in fourth in the UK.

Oxfordshire and Dorset Councils were also featured in the UK’s top ten hotspots for illegal nicotine pouches with over 800 pouch products seized individually. The news comes after Trading Standards teams flagged “significant growth” in illegal versions in early 2024, warning residents of their dangers.

The UK councils with the highest number of illegal nicotine pouch seizures

Scotland and Wales’ illegal nicotine pouch hotspots

According to the data submitted in our FOI request, Scotland’s councils report much lower numbers of fake nicotine pouch products, however a handful of locations made their way into the top ten across the UK.

After submitting requests to all of Wales’ 22 councils, we found that no areas in Wales reported instances of fake nicotine pouches.

Which London Boroughs have the highest number of illegal nicotine pouches?

What are the health risks of illegal nicotine pouches?

Consuming illegal nicotine pouches comes with a range of health risks. A lack of clear safety guidelines means it’s difficult to tell exactly how many you should take and how much nicotine you’re consuming which increases your risk of nicotine poisoning with symptoms including:

• Vomiting

• Abdominal pain

• Headaches

• Heart palpitations

• Bleeding gums

• Seizures

How to identify fake nicotine pouches

There are a number of easy ways to identify counterfeit products from the real deal. To make sure you’re purchasing authorised products be sure to:

• Check product packaging thoroughly and look for inconsistencies in the branding and spellings.

• Make sure that all writing is clearly displayed in English.

• Nicotine pouches should include clear instructions for use which will provide directions on how to use the product safely.

• Products with nicotine content should include a skull and crossbone icon or an exclamation mark symbol and a ‘Warning” label.

• Consider the price. If it seems too good to be true, then it probably is.

• If you’re unsure, visit a trusted retailer or supermarket to purchase your pouches.

Nicotine pouches can be an effective method to starting your journey to quitting smoking. For tips on how to use nicotine pouches safely and how they work check out our ultimate guide to nicotine pouches.