Mini-mart at centre of BBC investigation closed down

Mini-mart at centre of investigation closed downImage caption, The Cradley Market shop, in Sandwell, has been closed for three monthsByVanessa Pearce, West Midlands and Ben Sidwell, at Wolverhampton Magistrates CourtPublished2 hours agoA mini-mart in the West Midlands has been closed for three months after an undercover BBC investigation exposed cocaine, cannabis, and prescription medicines being sold over the counter.Crystal Meth and cannabis had also been seized last week from the Cradley Market store, on Cradley High Street in Sandwell, leading to one arrest.There was no representation from the store at the Wolverhampton Magistrates' Court hearing earlier, brought by Sandwell Borough Council. It said the shop had been reported as a serious nuisance by members of the public.The government is now looking at changing legislation, to allow authorities to close illegal mini-marts, barbers and vape shops for up to a year.The BBC investigation revealed shopfronts were being exploited by organised criminal gangs, pushing illegal drugs, say both the National Crime Agency (NCA) and the Chartered Trading Standards Institute (CTSI).Image caption, An undercover BBC investigation exposed cocaine, cannabis, and prescription medicines being sold over the counter at the shopDuring the year-long investigation, researchers had been able to buy cocaine, as well as cannabis from the shop on two separate visits.They were also offered a selection of prescription drugs. Trading Standards said they had since visited the premises on 12 occasions, and had seized Illegal cigarettes, tobacco and drugs.It also said the shop had been reported as a serious nuisance with cars pulling up and parking on double yellow lines, groups of people congregating outside the premises, plus issues with litter and noise.After the BBC's report in April, West Midlands Police arrested two people on suspicion of being involved in drug dealing linked to shops in Sandwell. The force said those arrested re...