Police investigating the sale of dangerous 'fake-vaping' products have raided two businesses in Rochdale.
Officers launched an investigation after Greater Manchester Health and Social Care Partnership issued a warning about products sold under the name ‘THC vape’ which were found to contain the drug, Spice.
Rochdale’s Complex Safeguarding Team raided two businesses in the town as part of their enquiries on Thursday.
Warrants were executed under the Misuse of Drugs Act at premises on Yorkshire St and Halifax Road.
No arrests have been made.
Police say they received information that products ‘purporting to contain natural cannabis-based solutions’, often advertised as ‘THC vape’, were being sold at the premises.
It comes after schoolchildren vaped Spice mis-sold as 'natural cannabis' in recent months.
Nine people were treated after inhaling the drug, which they thought was ‘THC vape’ liquid.
Of those, six collapsed and fell ill in Bury, Oldham and Rochdale between February and June.
On two separate occasions, groups of children were taken to hospital in Oldham.
Three young people were also taken to hospital in Rochdale, and one in Bury.
Officials say nobody suffered long-term health effects after inhaling the drug, however health chiefs have warned people that vaping Spice may be fatal.
Superintendent Richard Hunt of Greater Manchester Police’s Rochdale District, said: “We are fully committed to clamping down on the sale of illegal and dangerous vaping products in order to protect the people of Rochdale.
“This raid came off the back of information received from the community that these harmful items were being sold.
“With the help of the community, we can illuminate these products from sale and pursue prosecutions against those who become involved in the sale of these dangerous substances.
“The Complex Safeguarding Team will continue to investigate this matter and act upon any further information received.”
Anyone with information on the sale of ‘THC vape’ products or the sale of other illegal drugs should call police on 101 or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.
