Crackdown promised as vape shops suspected of dealing drugs
Leicester City Council plans to restrict vape shops due to concerns they are being used to sell illegal drugs.Summary
Leicester City Council is responding to growing concerns that some vape shops are operating as fronts for illegal drug dealing. Councillor Zuffar Haq highlighted a “dramatic” increase in late-night vape shops – 20 in the last 18 months – and reported doctors stating patients are being directed to these shops to obtain drugs like black mamba and spice. Public health officials are investigating ways to strengthen licensing regulations and support Trading Standards in conducting spot checks, despite previous budget cuts hindering enforcement efforts. The crackdown comes as Leicester faces an all-time high in drug-related deaths, with a rate of 14.7 deaths per 100,000 people, exceeding the national average of 9.1. However, the council reports positive progress in drug and alcohol management, including increased access to treatment and the use of naloxone by police to reverse opioid overdoses.
(Source：Leicester Mercury)
