A BBC undercover investigation has revealed that mini-marts on UK High Streets are openly selling illegal drugs including cocaine, cannabis, laughing gas, and prescription medications. Secret filming captured transactions in shops across four towns in the West Midlands, where researchers easily obtained cannabis and cocaine.
In Cradley Heath, a shopkeeper at Cradley Market offered "weed, coke, everything" and sold 3.5g of cannabis for £30. He later arranged delivery of a gram of cocaine for £95. The same individual displayed photos of prescription drugs, including pregabalin, which has been linked to rising deaths. When confronted, the shopkeeper denied wrongdoing.
The investigation also found organized criminal gangs exploiting storefronts to push drugs. In Dudley, Trading Standards reported the worst illegal drug and counterfeit cigarette sales in 20 years, with 39 shops shut down in 12 months. Undercover researchers were offered cannabis, cannabis vapes, and nitrous oxide in Lye and Brierley Hill.
In Brierley Hill, a shop directed researchers to a flat above where cannabis was sold. The landlord expressed shock and notified police. In Dudley town centre, a grocery store sold nitrous oxide with balloons for inhalation.
Liam Byrne, chair of the Business and Trade Committee, urged government action, stating, "We can't restore our High Streets unless we take out the cancer of organised crime." The Home Office pledged to work with police and Trading Standards to combat these crimes.
The BBC's year-long investigation analyzed dozens of local reports, finding drugs including crystal meth and heroin in over 70 shops and linked premises across the UK.