Carlisle has the second highest demand for illegal vape products, according to a new study.

The study, carried out by online vape retailer Vapekit, analysed the monthly search volume for illegal vapes across the UK over the past 12 months.

Terms included ‘crystal pro max,’ ‘r and m tornado’, and ‘9000 puff vape’.

The search volume was compared to each area’s population to determine the final ranking.   

Vapes containing more than 2ml of e-liquid are illegal in the UK – but vapes containing 15 times the legal limit of liquid are circulated across the county.

Through analysing search data, the study found that Carlisle had 360 searches per 100,000 residents.

“It’s incredibly concerning to see how illegal vapes are becoming more sought after in the UK, with many consumers having no idea that the products they’re buying are untested and potentially unsafe,” said Guy Lawler, managing director of Vapekit.

“Retailers have a responsibility to adhere to UK vape regulations, but still, there are rogue operators both on the high street and online who openly sell illegal products and make no attempt to verify whether or not buyers are over 18.”

Restrictions around access to vapes have been widely discussed recently due to the Tobacco and Vapes Bill, as well as the announcement of a vape tax on March 6.

The government are also set to ban the sale of disposable vapes by 2025 to help prevent children from accessing them.

“Vapes are meant to help people quit smoking, but the ever-growing black market is putting people’s health at risk,” said Mr Lawler.

“Some of these non-compliant products even feature cartoon characters that attract younger people who should not be vaping.”

The highest-ranking place was Croydon, south of London, with 379.

Authorities in the Cumberland Council area have been cracking down heavily on illegal vape sellers, with Cumberland Trading Standards having removed over 2000 since the start of the year.

Cumberland councillor and portfolio holder for licensing and regulatory services,  Bob Kelly, said earlier this year: “These outstanding results are a testament to the continuous hard work of Cumberland Council’s Trading Standards team. 

“I’m delighted to see that the team are removing illegal, unregulated vaping products from vape stores throughout Cumberland – protecting the health and wellbeing of Cumberland residents by removing potentially harmful products from the market.”