Called Stacey Dooley Investigates: Kids Selling Drugs Online and due to air on 16th July 2017 on BBC Three, the show follows Stacey Dooley as she ventures undercover for the first time to investigate the growing criminal world of Britain’s digital drug dealers. Using fake profiles on Instagram, Snapchat and the new dating app for teens Yellow, she reveals how easy it is for children and young teens to get their hands on Class A drugs via seemingly unmoderated and unprotected social media platforms.
The programme was commissioned by Gian Quaglieni for BBC Three and executive producer of the programme was Miki Mistrati.
Gian Quaglieni, commissioning editor, BBC Current Affairs, says: “This documentary is a timely undercover investigation into the widespread selling of drugs using social media. It reveals the underground world of these digital drug dealers. It's an important story for BBC Three.”
Miki Mistrati, executive producer, TI Productions UK adds: “We knew that through our editorial connections and experience as a magazine publisher we’d be able to unlock some compelling stories, but securing such a high profile first commission is an incredible achievement. We are delighted to be working with Stacey on such a hard-hitting, challenging story. She is a phenomenal talent who brings a unique perspective and energy.”
TI Productions UK was launched in 2016 as an in-house TV production arm focused on creating quality factual and factual-entertainment programming for major UK broadcasters. The initiative aims to unlock the colourful stories and personalities in the pages of Time Inc UK’s portfolio of more than 50 brands, say the publishers.