Britain’s drug epidemic shows no signs of slowing down. Drug traffickers and drug smugglers are younger than ever, their reach extends to the remotest parts of the country, and their potential for violence grows exponentially. Produced by BBC Three, Britain’s teenage drug dealers delves into their nefarious operations, introducing us to their key players and introducing the law enforcement agencies that work feverishly to stop them.
In a London kitchen, a “cook” prepares the next batch of lucrative crack cocaine. After heroin, this drug is in the greatest demand. Once the batches are complete, runners as young as 12 will be recruited to ship them to needy users who are willing to pay up to $1 for the tiny cubes. The younger the runners, the less likely they were to have a criminal record and draw the attention of authorities.
The illegal drug game has changed recently. Intense competition is forcing London’s drug gangs to seek new clients away from the main metropolitan area. In order to accommodate this growing consumer group, they have established bases in every corner of the country. These bases are often home to intimidated or willing accomplices.
The dealer in the film has no remorse about recruiting young runners or his own chosen career in crime. He explained that there were no viable employment opportunities for people with criminal records, and the prospects for the young men he hired were similarly limited.
The presence of these drug gangs has led to a dramatic increase in violent crime in these rural communities. It’s an expensive operation that law enforcement is keen to contain. The film follows several of these units as they map out the runners’ routes across multiple counties in an effort to stop the gangs from operating on their turf. However, dealers are savvy and often alter their processes to avoid detection.
Through unlimited access and a series of provocative interviews, British teenage drug dealer takes us into a dangerous underworld that only thrives in the shadows.
Directed by: Carl Callam
