A drugs den in Norwich has successfully been closed down by Norfolk Police in partnership with Orbit Housing Trust, giving respite to local residents and helping to remove the menace of drugs from our communities.

A closure notice was served on premises at Union Street on Thursday 4th March preventing anyone other than the owner from entering the property.

Subsequently,after hearing evidence from police officers and local residents, Magistrates have today agreed to close down the property for a three month period. This prevents anyone from remaining in the flat or entering the property without incurring a fine or custodial sentence. Orbit Housing Trust has also served an eviction notice on the owner, preventing his return once the three month period has passed.

The premises has often been frequented by those involved in the use and sale of Class A drugs which has had a detrimental effect on local residents. Police have additionally responded to several incidents at the property in relation to noise and disorder offences and also drugs and drug paraphernalia have been recovered from the property following warrants in recent months.  Finally in October 2009, one of the local residents was physically assaulted by a visitor to 11B.

Under Section 2 ofthe Anti-Social Behaviour Act 2003, police have the powers to close premises at which Class A drugs are being used, supplied or produced and which are associated with serious nuisance and/or disorder.

 

Superintendent Nick Dean said;

 

“I welcome this very positive result.  This robust approach to what had become a significant problem for residents and the public living in this area has meant that we can begin to restore normality and reduce the number of anti-social and crime problems associated with drug dealing. I hope this serves as a warning to others who choose to deal drugs in the City. We will use this approach again and I thank everyone involved in making this happen.”