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BBC exposes mini-mart drug sales, MP calls for tougher closures.

4/23/2026

31 6 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

BBC undercover team paid criminals to buy cannabis, cocaine and prescription pills as a test.
Investigators found mini-mart owners in Cradley Heath and West Midlands towns selling the drugs.
Shopkeeper Akwa offered cannabis for £30 and a gram of cocaine for £95.
NCA said organised crime exploits high-street shops, prompting Labour MP Liam Byrne to demand tougher laws and longer closure powers after Dudley Council closed 42 shops.

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Story summary

BBC undercover team paid criminals to buy cannabis, cocaine and prescription pills as a test.
Investigators found mini-mart owners in Cradley Heath and West Midlands towns selling the drugs.
Shopkeeper Akwa offered cannabis for £30 and a gram of cocaine for £95.
NCA said organised crime exploits high-street shops, prompting Labour MP Liam Byrne to demand tougher laws and longer closure powers after Dudley Council closed 42 shops.