Two arrests after probe finds nook outlets promoting cocaine and hashish as warning issued
One in five UK adults admit getting prescription-only medicines from unlicensed sources, a pharmacy survey suggests, as an investigation highlights “lawless” mini-marts
An investigation found high street mini-marts selling illegal drugs, including prescription medicines(Image: Getty Images)
Corner shops are selling cocaine, cannabis and other drugs over the counter in Britain’s high streets, a probe has found. Laughing gas and prescription pills were also readily offered to undercover researchers who secretly filmed the transactions.
Two people were arrested after the BBC investigation found shops in four towns in the West Midlands were flogging the substances. West Midlands Police did not name those arrested and did not indicate if they are linked to the BBC’s investigation.
Video taken by the Beeb show class A drugs being ordered by one shop worker who rang “big boss” to order a gram of cocaine after flogging 3.5 grams of cannabis to the same undercover operative.
He is heard on the footage offering prescription pills and promising: “I’ve got weed, coke, everything. Whatever you want, I can sort you out.”
A spokesman for West Midlands Police said: “In Dudley, we’ve today arrested a man and woman on suspicion of supplying drugs through shops in the borough. They’re currently in police custody for questioning.
“We’re involved in active investigations about drug dealing in the area and anticipate more arrests.
“We’re aware of media reporting around the issue of drug dealing and we want to reassure our communities in Dudley, and across the wider region, we won’t tolerate illegal activities and are taking action.”
One street visited by the BBC described as “lawless” by an anonymous law enforcement source, it reported. Its reporter found illegal drugs being sold in shops and legitimate businesses said they had been intimidated by gangs and witnessed knife and gun violence.
Both the National Crime Agency (NCA) and the Chartered Trading Standards Institute (CTSI) say shopfronts across the country are being exploited by organised criminal gangs that have gained a foothold pushing illegal drugs.
It comes as a recent survey showed one in five people admitted to obtaining prescription-only medication illegally. This figure rises to a staggering 44% of younger people aged 25 to 34.
And a further 10% of respondents say they have been offered illegal medication from an unlicensed source but did not buy or obtain it.
People earning an annual salary of £75-85K are the most likely to have obtained prescription-only medication illegally, with 47% admitting they have done so.
The Oxford Online Pharmacy, which carried out the survey, warned: “There is no safe way to take prescription-only medication from an unlicensed source, even if it is given to you by a family member or friend. And never self-prescribe.
“If you have found a provider online, such as an online pharmacy, and aren’t sure whether it is legitimate, check it is registered with the General Pharmaceutical Council before purchasing.
“The UK Government’s FakeMeds campaign page also provides useful information about how to spot illegal medicine and suspicious online sellers.
“If you suspect a medicine is fake, do not take it. Report it directly to the MHRA using its Yellow Card scheme.
“If you are experiencing negative side effects from any medicine, whether it is prescribed to you legally or illegally, see your doctor, a pharmacist or nurse. In the event of a medical emergency, dial 999.”
Following the investigation’s publication, Sir Keir Starmer said the BBC investigation had revealed a “really important issue”. The PM ledged more neighbourhood police officers “actually on the high street, in your patch and identifiable.”
He told reporters: “We’ve already changed some of the rules in relation to how we deal with incidents in shops, but we must do this, we’re absolutely focused on it and I understand why people are concerned about it.”
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