Over 1,700 illegal vapes and 2,000 illicit cigarettes have been seized in a series of raids in Southampton. 

Counterfeit watches, handbags and scarves with a retail value of £100,000 have also been found after a joint operation by Trading Standards and the police. 

It comes as two businesses in the St Mary's area are now under investigation as part of a crackdown on the sale of vapes to children. 

Southampton City Council's Trading Standards team linked up with officers to conduct the operation on September 7. 

READ MORE: Almost 16,000 illegal vapes seized in Hampshire, data shows

Compliance and leisure boss at the council, Cllr Toqeer Kataria said: “The success of these trading standards raids can be attributed to the diligent investigative work and swift action taken by the Southampton City Council Trading Standards team in collaboration with Hampshire Police.

"By targeting the sources of illicit trading activities and removing harmful products from circulation, these efforts have undoubtedly safeguarded the public from potential harm.” 

The authority has since reminded businesses that the supply of counterfeit or non-duty paid tobacco products, tobacco products lacking the required health warnings, disposable vapes containing over 2ml of nicotine liquid and disposable vapes or e-liquid containing over 20 mg/ml of nicotine is illegal. 

They have also stressed that nicotine products should only be sold to those aged over 18. 

A council spokesperson said: "Restricting access to illicit tobacco products in Southampton is vital for safeguarding the health of city residents, especially young people, as the use of tobacco products often begins in adolescence.

"Stopping smoking is one of the best things you can do for your health. Vaping nicotine using reputable products is much less harmful than smoking tobacco. But if you do not smoke, do not vape.

"It is not completely harmless, and the long-term effects are unknown. Illicit vapes can be very unsafe."