High Street mini-marts selling cocaine, cannabis and prescription drugs, BBC secret filming reveals

• Criminal gangs are operating drug supply networks through legitimate high street retail premises, presenting a public health concern that may affect patient communities and local practice populations
• Illegal drugs including cocaine and cannabis alongside diverted prescription medications are being distributed through accessible retail locations, increasing community drug availability and potential for substance misuse presentations in primary care
• GPs should be alert to increased substance-related presentations and consider social/environmental factors when assessing patients, while reporting suspected illegal drug activity to local authorities and NHS safeguarding teams

Across the UK, shopfronts are being exploited by criminal gangs pushing illegal drugs, experts say.

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