High Street mini-marts selling cocaine, cannabis and prescription drugs, BBC secret filming reveals

The Investigation

A BBC investigation has uncovered that mini-marts on UK High Streets are now selling cocaine, cannabis, laughing gas, and prescription medications. The findings were made possible through secret filming conducted by undercover researchers in shops across four adjacent West Midlands towns. One location was described as “lawless” by an unnamed law enforcement source, highlighting the extent of the issue.

Exploitation of Shopfronts

Organised criminal gangs are increasingly using legitimate retail spaces to distribute illegal drugs, according to the National Crime Agency (NCA) and the Chartered Trading Standards Institute (CTSI). The trend has been documented in over 70 shops and associated premises across regions like Devon, Norfolk, and Northern Ireland. In the West Midlands, a senior Labour MP has urged the government to address the problem swiftly.

“We can’t restore our High Streets unless we take out the cancer of organised crime,” said Liam Byrne, chair of the Business and Trade Committee.

The Hidden Trade

In Cradley Heath, a Black Country town, our researcher was offered cannabis within seconds of asking. The shop, known as Cradley Market, provided 3.5g of the drug for £30. On subsequent visits, the same product was available, with the vendor, Akwa, sourcing additional items like cocaine. A gram of cocaine was delivered to the premises and sold for £95.

Akwa also displayed images of prescription drugs on his phone, including pregabalin, a medication used for anxiety and nerve pain. Misuse of such drugs has contributed to a spike in fatalities. When confronted, Akwa denied involvement, claiming he was unaware of the nature of the sales.

Responses from Authorities

The local council stated it was collaborating with police to combat illegal activity. Meanwhile, Kuldeep Maan, a Trading Standards representative in Dudley, noted that drug sales, along with counterfeit cigarettes and illicit vapes, have reached their worst level in two decades.

“I’ve shut down 39 shops for illegal cigarettes in Dudley in 12 months, but I’ve also found cannabis, cocaine, nitrous oxide, and fake prescription drugs during raids,” Maan explained.

During the investigation, “spotters” were observed monitoring mini-marts for potential raids. In Lye and Brierley Hill, undercover teams captured footage of drug offers, including cannabis vapes and laughing gas. The presence of criminal networks is evident, with shop staff even following researchers and taking photographs.

Broader Implications

The sale of nitrous oxide, commonly known as laughing gas, has been linked to severe health risks, including brain damage. As the investigation continues, authorities are working with police and trading standards to dismantle these criminal operations. A Home Office spokesperson emphasized the government’s commitment to “strongest possible action against these businesses.”