Police target suspected Workington drugs den

By Safira Ali

Last updated 14:06, Thursday, 28 August 2008

POLICE were today launching a bid to close down a suspected drugs den in Workington.

Notice served: It alleges grounds for believing premises have been used in connection with illegal drugs

Officers said they suspected the flat on Glenn Road, Moorclose, had been used in connection with class A drugs and was connected with antisocial behaviour.

Yesterday police served a closure notice on the property under the Antisocial Behaviour Act 2003.

Five police community support officers and three police officers attended the Derwent and Solway housing association flat at 10am.

Two officers spoke about the notice to the tenant, who police named as Tracey Nicholson, 33.

The officers told her they would be applying for the closure order at magistrates court today.

It is now an offence under the Antisocial Behaviour Act 2003 for anyone to enter or remain at the flat without the permission of police.

Anyone who does so could face up to six months imprisonment or a fine of up to £5,000, or both.

The notice, which was taped to the front door said: “There are reasonable grounds for believing that the premises has been used in connection with the unlawful use, production or supply of a Class A controlled drug and that the use of the premises is associated with the occurrence of disorder or serious nuisance to members of the public.”

Police have carried out three drugs raids at the property.

It is alleged investigations linked drugs including cannabis, amphetamine and heroin to the flat. No one has yet been charged.

Workington police were to ask for a closure order at West Allerdale Magistrate’s Court, Workington, this afternoon.

They may then adjourn the hearing of the application for up to 14 days for an appeal process..

If magistrates adjourn the hearing they may decide that the closure order takes immediate effect.

PC Alison St Quintin, who served the notice, said: ““If the Magistrates agree to the order in court, the tenant will be given some time to gather her belongings. We expect to board up the property straight away.”