The Department of Health seized more than $30,000 worth of vape devices from two retail locations, it was revealed today.

Environmental health officers collected 756 devices after conducting enforcement inspections at Devonshire and Smith’s locations last Thursday.

The raids coincided with the Ministry of Health’s attempts to curb risks posed by vaping, particularly for children.

Kim Wilson, the minister, said: “Despite warnings, these shops continued to stock illegal vapes.

“Keeping harmful products off our streets, and especially out of the hands of children, remains a priority for the Government.

“Regulating and enforcing controls on harmful products is one of the many tools we use to help prevent cancer and protect public health in Bermuda.”

Under the Pharmacy and Poisons Act 1979, vapes containing nicotine can only be sold in registered pharmacies and by licensed pharmacists.

The move was done to ensure proper age verification, professional guidance and controlled access.

Ms Wilson has cautioned for years against vaping products with high doses of nicotine or toxic chemicals, which she said posed serious health risks to the public, particularly young people.

Her ministry has been on a campaign since last June to crack down on improper sales and close legal loopholes to assist with control.

Under the 1979 Act, it is illegal to sell vapes that contain prescription-only substances, substances that can only be legally sold by a pharmacist, contain more than 2.1 per cent nicotine, or contain nicotine and a flavour other than mint.

A health ministry spokeswoman said that the products seized contained either metatine, a toxic chemical, or illegal levels of nicotine.

She warned that illegal sales undermined national public health protections.

Members of the public were encouraged to report stores suspected of selling illegal vapes by calling Environmental Health on 246‑7766 or by e-mailing envhealth@gov.bm.