The Guardia Civil has seized over 1,100 illegal disposable vapes and nicotine devices from four shops in the south of Tenerife, amid concerns that more businesses may be involved in the unauthorised sale of these products.
The operation was conducted by agents from the Fiscal and Border Patrol units in Santa Cruz and Playa de las Américas, following an investigation into the unauthorised distribution of these items.
A total of 1,138 single-use nicotine-releasing devices, valued at more than €17,000 were confiscated. The products did not meet the regulatory requirements set by Spain's Ministry of Health concerning labelling, manufacturing, and distribution.
Crucially, they lacked mandatory health registration, making their sale illegal under national regulations.
The investigation was initiated after officers detected suspicious commercial activity involving these products in Adeje and Arona. Authorities have warned that such unauthorised sales pose a potential risk to the public, as they circumvent the official channels designed to ensure safe sale and consumption.
Inspections at the four targeted establishments confirmed that the products violated current laws. As a result, the businesses have been reported for breaching Law 28/2005 on health measures against smoking and the Royal Decree 579/2019, which governs the manufacturing, presentation, and marketing of tobacco and related products in Spain.
Many of the seized vape devices were reportedly sourced from outside the European Union and imported through unauthorised channels. Under Spanish law, manufacturers and importers intending to sell nicotine devices or refill liquids must register their products on the EU Common Entry Gate (EU-CEG) portal and notify the Directorate General of Public Health.
The Guardia Civil has confirmed that the investigation remains ongoing, with the possibility that more establishments may be found distributing illegal nicotine products, not just in Tenerife, but in all of the Canary Islands.
