High Street mini-marts selling cocaine, cannabis and prescription drugs
4 hours ago
- #High Street Crime
- #Drug Trafficking
- #Organized Crime
- BBC investigation reveals cocaine, cannabis, laughing gas, and prescription drugs are sold in UK mini-marts, with undercover purchases in West Midlands towns.
- Organized criminal gangs exploit shopfronts nationwide; over 70 shops linked to drugs like crystal meth and heroin, per local news reports.
- Authorities, including the NCA and Trading Standards, acknowledge the problem but face challenges in permanently closing illegal shops due to legal limitations.
- In Dudley, illegal drug sales are at a 20-year high, with shops using spotters to watch for raids and selling to children.
- Legitimate businesses report intimidation, violence, and property damage from gangs, with some fearing closure due to criminal competition.
- MP Liam Byrne calls for urgent government action, including more resources and tougher laws, to combat organized crime on High Streets.