More than 2,000 illegal vapes have been seized from shops in Ipswich by Suffolk Trading Standards officers. 

The nicotine devices were recovered from three shops by officers checking for compliance on advice issued after previous visits. 

The businesses will be subject to further investigation to consider whether further action, including prosecution, should be taken, Suffolk Trading Standards said.

A total of 2,007 vapes were taken in the raids.

The legal UK limit on nicotine content in disposable vapes is no more than 2% and must no exceed 2ml in capacity which is about 600 puffs.

The vapes seized by trading officers contained oversized tanks giving between 3,500 to more than 10,000 puffs. 

READ MORE: More than dangerous 350 vapes seized from Suffolk towns

East Anglian Daily Times: Some of the seized vapes recovered from three shops in IpswichSome of the seized vapes recovered from three shops in Ipswich (Image: Suffolk Trading Standards)

Last November, a total of 1,913 vapes were seized from shops in Lowestoft, Felixstowe and Ipswich while a further 2,500 were recovered from an Ipswich shop in September. 

Investigations into these seizures continue. 

Graham Crips, head of Suffolk Trading Standards, said: "It is disappointing that these sort of vapes continue to make their way on to the market despite the widespread publicity about how they breach the safety legislation and could be unsafe to use.

"That legislation is there for a reason- to help protect the public, and the businesses who break those regulations can expect tough penalties.

"We will continue to carry out check on retailers across Suffolk, taking legal action where necessary."

READ MORE: Litter problem 'as bad as it's ever been' as fly-tipping on the rise in Ipswich

Andrew Reid, Suffolk County Council's cabinet member for public health and public protection, said: "Vaping plays a big part in helping smokers to quit, especially when used in conjunction with specialist support from a stop smoking service. 

East Anglian Daily Times: Andrew Reid, of Suffolk County CouncilAndrew Reid, of Suffolk County Council (Image: Suffolk County Council)

"However, devices such as these are simply trying to cash in on the problem of inappropriate vaping.

"This is excellent work by Suffolk Trading Standards, who are working continuously to tackled this problem."