Court closes flat ‘used by suspected drug dealers’
A FLAT lived in by a man ‘believed to be involved in county lines drug dealing’ has been closed by a court.
Police requested a closure order in Green Road, in Southsea, following antisocial behaviour and suspected drug dealing.
The order, which does not evict the tenant, was granted at Portsmouth Magistrates’ Court on Monday.
Addressing the court, PC Stuart Grover from Hampshire Constabulary said: ‘He is believed to be involved in county lines drug dealing.
‘It is believed that he is involved in the dealing of drugs and part of a drug network.’
The man is under police investigation, the court heard. The News knows his identity but cannot name him at the moment for legal reasons.
PC Grover added: ‘There have been over 40 incidents logged at the address relating todruguse.
‘Recently a resident said on one occasion at 2.50am there was an argument in the corridor about drugs.’
The visits have sometimes ended in violence, with the front window of the property being smashed on two separate occasions in the last two years, the court heard.
People living near the Vivid-owned property said they have endured ‘endless’ late night commotion as ‘a broad spectrum’ of people visit the property since June 2017.
Peter Sharps, 66, who has lived in the building for more than 30 years, said: ‘He is actually a very personable and approachable person.
‘He’s trying to be a good neighbour but the late-night visits wake us up at all hours of the night. We hear them arguing about drugs.’
Another resident said she was left ‘raging’ by people buzzing her doorbell and wanting to get in to access 15D.
Sue Apicella, 69, said: ‘All sorts of people are visiting.
‘I got very angry at two young girls — they looked like students — who rang my doorbell at 3am and wanted to speak to him — but they weren’t even sure of his name.’
PC Grover added: ‘We’re making this order to safeguard his wellbeing and the wellbeing of the other residents. ‘We’re not trying to make anyone homeless.’
The order will last for three months and means it is a criminal offence for anyone other than the tenant to enter the property unless authorised by the police during that period.
But residents remain sceptical the order will have an effect. Peter said: ‘I’m not going to hold my breath.’