Out You asked me to clarify what I meant about the exception, and I did. Surely, you know this already, if a serving police officer in England?
Generally speaking, body searches, of the type described by the OP, are carried out by serving officers.
An intimate search, (as defined in PACE- see link) may be carried out, post arrest, outside of a basic drugs search, without an HCP/qualified person present, in some situations. Usually, a qualified person should be present, but this is not always possible
The undertaking of an intimate search without a qualified person present, must be decided by a senior officer, of Inspector rank or above, based on "proportionality" of the circumstances. This is in England,/Wales.
Checks and balances apply to ensure this is done lawfully, with respect for the accused's Human Rights, the possibility of the secreted item harming the accused, or others, and so on.
From what you say, OP you appear to have been searched lawfully for drugs, by officers. I trust that you were treated respectfully?
Scotland has it's own rules, as described by NickyNacky.