The National Crime Agency (NCA) and the Chartered Trading Standards Institute (CTSI) both told the BBC that shopfronts were being exploited by criminal gangs which had gained a foothold pushing illegal drugs across the country.
During the BBC’s investigation, drugs were readily offered to its undercover researchers, who secretly filmed in shops across four neighbouring West Midlands towns.
As part of the investigation, the BBC also analysed dozens of local news reports. From Bideford in Devon, to Great Yarmouth in Norfolk, to Belfast in Northern Ireland, the analysis found that drugs had been found in more than 70 shops and linked premises, including crystal meth and heroin.
West Midlands Police said it would always work with partners “to act on complaints about illegal drugs sales, anti-social behaviour, and crime and disorder”.
