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In today’s digital age, almost anything can be bought online, but when it comes to products that affect our health, that convenience can come at a deadly cost. Across the UK, more people are unwittingly buying prescription medicines and vaping products from unverified websites, social media or other outlets, unaware that they are counterfeit, adulterated, or even deadly.
When it comes to medicines, the risks are particularly severe. Counterfeit prescription drugs sold online may look identical to genuine tablets but can contain dangerous synthetic opioids such as nitazenes, substances up to 500 times stronger than heroin. Just a few grains can cause respiratory failure and death. Tragically, there have been recent cases where people believed they were taking genuine painkillers or anxiety medication, only to lose their lives after consuming fake pills.
Concerningly these products are increasingly being distributed by local and international serious and organised crime networks. They are exploiting those living with pain, anxiety, or addiction, marketing “cheap,” “safe,” or “no prescription needed” drugs through social media, encrypted apps, and dark-web sites.
The same warning applies to the growing trade in counterfeit and illegal vapes, which are flooding online markets and high streets across the UK. Many are falsely labelled as nicotine-free or compliant with UK safety standards, but testing has revealed toxic chemicals, heavy metals, and dangerously high nicotine levels. Others have been adulterated with synthetic drugs or cannabis-based substances that can cause hallucinations, seizures, or long-term lung damage.
Sharing or borrowing vapes is especially risky as you cannot know what is inside the liquid or where it came from. Beyond the chemical danger, sharing devices can spread infections such as colds, flu, COVID-19, or cold sores.
As your Police and Crime Commissioner, my priority is keeping people safe, not just from crime, but from avoidable harm in our everyday lives. My office continues to work with health, education, and trading standards partners to stop the sale of illegal and counterfeit goods such as vapes, whilst using every opportunity to raise awareness of the hidden dangers to protect our residents from exploitation and preventable harm.
STAY SAFE – KEY TIPS
✅ Only buy from registered pharmacies or trusted retailers. Look for the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) logo on medicine websites and UKCA/CE marks on vape packaging.
✅ Be cautious of cheap or “too good to be true” deals. They are often illegal or unsafe.
✅ Do not share or try vapes you do not recognise. You could inhale toxic or drug-laced substances.
✅ Check packaging and instructions. Spelling errors, missing leaflets or poor printing are red flags.
✅ Read the warnings. Many medicines and vape liquids can cause drowsiness or impair driving, combining them with alcohol increases the risk of serious accidents.
✅ Seek professional help. If you are struggling with medication or addiction, contact your GP, pharmacist, NHS 111, or Recovery Connections. ✅If you know anyone who is selling or distribution these dangerous products report them to the Police or to Crimestoppers (0800 555 111, Crimestoppers-org.uk) 100% anonymously. Your information could help save a life. Every preventable death or illness caused by counterfeit products is one too many. By staying alert, buying safely, and reporting concerns, we can protect our communities and prevent unnecessary harm.
For further information or to report suspicious products, visit www.gov.uk/report-illegal-vapes, contact Trading Standards, or seek confidential advice via Talk to Frank (0300 123 6600) or NHS 111.
Use these tips to help keep County Durham and Darlington safer, stronger and more resilient to drug related crime and harm.
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