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Thu, 23 Apr 2026

Thu, 23 Apr 2026 High Street mini-marts selling cocaine, cannabis and prescription drugs, BBC secret filming reveals

Across the UK, shopfronts are being exploited by criminal gangs pushing illegal drugs, experts say.
Key findings: 1. Nitrous oxide (laughing gas) is readily available: The article states that nitrous oxide was easily obtained from Dawood Grocery store in Dudley town centre. A hooded man sold the gas to an undercover reporter without saying a word. 2. Cannabis sales: Cannabis was found for sale in various shops, including Best Choice and Dawood Grocery store. In one instance, the shopkeeper directed the undercover reporter to a flat above the shop where cannabis was being sold from. 3. Organized crime involvement: Local business owners believe that organized crime is behind the selling of illegal goods on High Streets. They express concerns about the impact this has on their businesses and the community. The article highlights the difficulty in closing down these shops permanently, as they can be reopened by new owners soon after being shut down. The Trading Standards Institute wants closure orders to increase from three months to 12 months and include an option for permanent closures for persistent offenders. Reactions:
* Local MP Liam Byrne: He expresses horror at the scale of the problem and the ease with which illegal goods are sold on High Streets. He calls for a zero-tolerance approach and new resources to be put into enforcement.
* Business owners: They share concerns about the impact of these shops on their businesses, including Marius Boros, who runs a grocery shop in Dudley, and Diane Shawe, who owns a hair salon.