A Southampton vape shop worker has backed raids on shops selling "extremely damaging" illegal vapes. 

Ben Richardson from Tidal Vape said he "fully supports" action by the police and councils after thousands of illicit vapes and cigarettes were seized. 

Last week police from Hedge End teamed up with the county council's trading standards team to seize 99 Tornado 9000 puff vape liquids. 

The items were found during a visit to a store in Bursledon with Trading Standards now investigating the shop. 

It comes just days after officers swooped on stores in Southampton, seizing 1,700 illegal vapes and 2,000 illicit cigarettes worth £100,000. 

Southampton City Council said the illegal products can be "very unsafe", with Tidal Vape Director of Operations, Ben Richardson now calling for even more to be done to get them off the streets. 

Ben RichardsonBen Richardson (Image: Newsquest) He said: "It's critical that illegal businesses are held accountable to protect both consumers and legitimate companies.

"Operations like these help uphold the integrity of the industry and ensure that retailers like us, who follow the law, can continue to operate without being undermined by illegal activity.

"Criminals often view this as a trivial offence, but tougher consequences would make them think twice before engaging in these activities.

"Regular enforcement and harsher penalties would help protect legitimate businesses like ours and make the streets safer for consumers."

READ MORE: Southampton raids see thousands of vapes and cigarettes seized

Illegal vape products often bypass safety checks and could contain "harmful substances", he added. 

Asked if he thinks more could be done, the shop worker added: "Absolutely, but we respect the fact the police and council are under pressure.

"We know they have so many priorities, but illegal vape products can cause danger to the consumer and fund illegal criminal activity.

"When illegal products flood the market, they not only tarnish the industry's image but also lead to unfair competition.

"This undercuts businesses that work hard to stay compliant with the law."

The comments come amid plans to restrict vape sales with the previous Conservative government having tabled plans to ban disposable products altogether before losing the election. 

But Ben said this would "likely drive illegal sales" and said, "the focus should be on educating customers about safe usage and ensuring proper regulation."