Six mini-marts and vape shops on a high street in Cradley Heath, Sandwell, have been forced to close after a BBC investigation uncovered illegal cigarettes, cocaine, cannabis, and prescription medicines being offered for sale over the counter.
The shops were closed through a court order for an initial three months due to illegality inside the premises. An undercover BBC team reportedly purchased illegal tobacco products from eight premises on Cradley High Street in April.
One shop, Cradley Market, reportedly sold cannabis and cocaine to the BBC team, and offered medication for pain and depression that is only legally available with a GP's prescription. West Midlands Police confirmed a 43-year-old man from Cradley Heath was charged with possession of Class A and Class B drugs in connection with investigations at Cradley Market. He is due to appear before magistrates later this month.
Councillor Bob Jones, from Sandwell Council, stated that securing the fifth and sixth closure orders this month sends a clear message that Sandwell Council will not tolerate businesses that break the law. Trading standards said they have visited the premises on 12 occasions and seized illegal cigarettes, tobacco, and drugs including crystal meth.