BIG ISSUE SELLERS DEAL IN HEROIN ON THE SIDE

AN evil network of Big Issue sellers are peddling drugs on Britain's streets under cover of selling the charity magazine, a shocking People investigation reveals today.

Passers-by helping the homeless by buying the 1.20 mag don't realise the vendors have a highly-lucrative, criminal sideline.

Our undercover investigators were astonished to find how easy it was to buy two packets of heroin for 40 - and were also offered crack cocaine and marijuana. One Big Issue seller eager to seal an illicit deal asked: "What are you looking for? I can do it."

We launched our investigation after a tip-off from a disgusted shopper who spotted the High Street drugs racket.

The ruthless pushers were conducting their vile trade in the seaside resort of Bournemouth, Dorset, packed with families enjoying innocent Easter fun.

The People's reporters discovered Big Issue vendors in the town who:

-TURN over a total of about 2,000 a week as they fan out through the town centre to deal drugs in broad daylight.

-OPERATE as a well-organised team, passing would-be buyers on to a mate if they do not have the requested drug readily available.

-HAPPILY do business with strangers once they are satisfied the purchasers are not undercover cops.

-DON'T spare a thought for the damage to Bournemouth - whose reputation as a highly respectable holiday destination is tarnished by the scourge of mounting drug problems.

Our investigators, posing as tourists from London, soon found a Big Issue seller called Lee outside Debenhams in the town centre pedestrian area.

Lee, in his late 40s and dressed in jeans and shellsuit top, sold us a magazine and answered questions about the local club scene. Then referring to marijuana, he asked: "Do you want some puff?"

He added: "You won't really get some cocaine but there is plenty of rock (crack cocaine) around. That's the kind of drugs you'll always get around here.

"I can get you some, but I'll have to make some calls. Come back in an hour." In half an hour we came across another magazine vendor called Gary, sporting a Big Issue badge in his woolly hat as he stood in combat trousers outside an arcade.

We told him we were looking for Lee because he had promised to "sort us out with some gear". Gary asked: "What are you looking for?

"I can get you some gear (heroin). I'll make a few calls. But Charlie (cocaine) is really difficult.

"You're better off getting that in London. My guy's in London at the moment and won't be back yet.

"I can sort you out a good price. The stuff you get here isn't as good but it'll keep you going."

Gary told us to return in 15 minutes. As we walked off he pointed us out to two other Big Issue vendors, who are among about seven who have pitches in the town centre.

The pair smiled and nodded. When we went back to see Gary he looked worried and demanded to know if we were police.

He was nervous because 100 officers had launched a drugs raid on accommodation for the town's homeless the night before, making 22 arrests.

"You could be anyone," said Gary, who is in his 30s. "I've got to take care who I deal with."

Reassured our investigators were not police, he said: "OK, I'm going to score some gear for myself first and after that I'll get some for you.

"I'm leaving now to see a guy and he can get you some. I'll see you in half an hour. Just come back here."

As we waited, Lee arrived to say his contact was not available. "I can't get hold of him and no one's got some crack at the minute," he apologised.

But we were soon back with Gary, who greeted yet another Big Issue vendor, called J K, who borrowed 20p from Gary to make a call from a phone box. J K, wearing a green fleece jacket and blue cap, was back in five minutes and told us to walk with him and Gary towards Poole Hill Road, where the Big Issue has local offices.

Promising to supply heroin, he said: "That'll be 40. You'll get two wraps. It'll last you a good buzz this evening. If you give me the money, I'll run up and get the gear."

When asked how he could be trusted not to vanish with the cash, he handed us his small rucksack and said: "Gary's here with you and you can have my bag. I wouldn't do something like that. I'll be back with the stuff

"One guy, a stranger like you, gave me 140 to get some gear. I got the stuff and he gave me some money for my trouble." J K took the 40.

We waited for him yards from the offices of the Big Issue, which helps the homeless become more self-sufficient by letting them keep some of the cover price of the current affairs mag. It's obvious J K and some other vendors don't back the Big Issue Foundation's vow to "provide an example of a socially responsible business".

J K returned, saying: "Let's go back down into town." As our investigators walked with him he clenched his fists and asked: "Left or right?"

When one reporter replied "Right" he told her to open her hand - then dropped two small bundles wrapped in white plastic into her palm.

"This will give you a great buzz," he promised. "We've got some as well for later on."

J K chatted cheerily, before saying: "If I can get hold of some Charlie I'll give you a call. If you'd wanted some puff you should have told me. I could have asked, but I can't now."

Later, a People investigator unknown to Gary approached him outside Debenhams and asked if he knew where our man could get some "gear".

The vendor asked for 20 and walked off into the crowds of pedestrians, saying: "I'll see what I can do." Gary returned two hours later, beckoned over our man, spat a small clingfilm package into his hand and passed it over. Then he picked up his Big Issues and began calling out for people to buy the paper.

The People investigation follows an official report showing that drug abuse in Bournemouth and the South West has doubled in the last five years.

Deaths from heroin, morphine or methadone are higher in the region than the average for England.

It is a tragedy for a town once better known for its immaculate seaside gardens and luxury hotels.

Our dossier is available for the police. Andy Peers, Big Issue chief executive for the South West including Bournemouth, said last night: "What The People has uncovered is clearly a breach of our code of conduct. We want to work actively with the police, once you pass that information over."

-IF you know of something Nyra Mahmood should investigate, call her on 020 7510 3102.

nyra.mahmood@people.co.uk

-Voice of The People: Page 8