High Street mini-marts selling cocaine, cannabis and prescription drugs, BBC secret filming reveals
Summary
A BBC investigation revealed that some small shops on UK High Streets are selling illegal drugs like cocaine, cannabis, and prescription pills. Police and government agencies say organized crime groups are using these shops to sell drugs and cause violence in local communities.Key Facts
- BBC undercover reporters secretly filmed drug sales in mini-marts across four towns in the West Midlands, England.
- Illegal drugs offered included cocaine, cannabis, laughing gas, and prescription medicines like pregabalin.
- Organised criminal gangs control some High Street shops to sell drugs and intimidate local businesses.
- Investigations found illegal drugs in over 70 shops across various UK locations, including Devon, Norfolk, and Northern Ireland.
- A senior Labour MP urged the government to act quickly to stop organised crime harming High Streets.
- The Home Office said it is working with police and agencies like the National Crime Agency to take strong action against illegal businesses.
- West Midlands Police confirmed they will respond to complaints about drugs and related crime.
- In one undercover visit, a BBC researcher bought cannabis and cocaine from a Cradley Heath mini-mart where drugs were kept behind the counter and on call for delivery.
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