Hammersmith couple fined for selling illegal vapes

A couple in Hammersmith has been fined over £4,000 for selling illegal vapes to minors. Himanshu Bhatia and Poona Chandna admitted to several offenses related to their vape and mobile phone shop. The couple's illegal activities occurred between March and December 2023. Bhatia sold illegal vapes, including one with an e-liquid capacity nine times above the legal limit, to a 15-year-old. The law prohibits selling nicotine vapes to anyone under 18. Despite multiple official warnings, Bhatia continued to sell the products, hiding them in a car outside the shop. He was later arrested at Heathrow Airport after failing to appear in court. Chandna also turned herself in. In Westminster Magistrates' Court, Bhatia pleaded guilty to five charges and was fined £270 for each. He owes a total of £3,068, including costs. Chandna was fined a total of £956 for similar charges. Their business, Vconnect369 Ltd, has been shut down, and the couple's shop is now closed. Doug Love, who oversaw the investigation, expressed disappointment with the fines, feeling they may not deter future illegal sales. Councillor Rebecca Harvey praised the Trading Standards officers for their efforts and emphasized the importance of protecting public health and lawfulness in the community.