LAST ORDERS..?
‘Diamond Strip’ drug dealing sensation
MAGISTRATES are today due to decide the fate of four of Tyneside’s most popular nightclubs at the centre of the ‘Diamond Strip’ drug dealing allegations.
Just days before the busiest weekend of the year, police took the unusual step of slapping closure orders on House of Smith, Madame Koo and Floritas, all on Newcastle’s Collingwood Street plus Empress on the nearby Side.
The prohibition notices are the result of an operation launched this year targeting drug dealing in and around city centre bars and coincide with a total of 18 arrests on suspicion of conspiracy to supply Class A drugs.
Police said they acted due to “concerns about serious criminal activity, namely the supply of Class A drugs, taking place both on and near to the premises”.
The bars hit are at the centre of Newcastle’s booming nightlife scene and attract thousands of revellers every week.
With just days to go until the Christmas and New Year week, one of the busiest of the year, it represents a massive blow for the city’s party image.
Chief Inspector Dave Pickett, of Northumbria Police’s Newcastle city centre unit, said: “We enjoy a really positive relationship with our licensing partners in the city centre and the decision to issue closure notices has not been taken lightly.
“Northumbria Police has a duty to ensure that those coming to our city centres to enjoy a night out can do so in a safe and responsible manner.”
The bars were closed on Monday and will remain closed until a hearing at South Tyneside Magistrates’ Court today when it will be decided whether they will be lifted or remain in place.
Efforts to contact the owners of House of Smith, Madame Koo and Floritas, and Empress Bar have yet to receive a response.
Officers arrested 11 people on Monday, since released under investigation, and yesterday made a further seven arrests, all on suspicion of conspiracy to supply Class A drugs.
A police spokeswoman said: “Today, seven people have been arrested and are currently in custody.
“An additional three people are also being questioned by police in connection with the investigation,” adding that these three had not been placed under arrest.
Floritas, Madame Koo and House of Smith are owned by the Apartment Group.
None of the Apartment group’s other venues are implicated in the police operation.
Empress is owned by The Empress Bar Limited.