Drug Den Shut Down in Thanet After Police Crackdown
Closure Order Hits Troubled Margate Property
Officers from the Thanet Community Safety Unit scored a major victory against crime, securing a closure order for a notorious property on Invicta Road. Margate Magistrates’ Court approved the order on Wednesday, May 5, 2021.
The closure, enforced under Section 80 of the Anti-social Behaviour and Policing Act 2014, bans everyone except the landlord from entering the house for three months. Anyone caught breaking the ban risks arrest.
Drug Dealing and Mayhem Spark Police Action
kent-police/" title="Kent Police" data-wpil-keyword-link="linked">Kent Police were bombarded with complaints about the house. Locals reported drug use on the premises, drug deals being conducted over the garden fence, and a constant stream of suspicious visitors both day and night.
The chaos didn’t stop there. Residents also faced noise from motorbikes and scooters, vandalism, and widespread littering, all blamed on the property’s occupants.
County Lines Suspects Nabbed but Released
Back in March, police arrested two London men, aged 18 and 19, at the address on suspicion of county lines drug activity. Officers found wraps of class A drugs, mobile phones, and a knife. Both were released pending further investigation.
Police Vow to Tackle Anti-Social Behaviour
“This premises had been the epicentre of drug-related anti-social behaviour, with dealers peddling drugs over the back garden fence,” said Inspector Paul Robson of the Thanet Community Safety Unit.
“It was ruining the lives of neighbours who shouldn’t have to live in fear or anxiety. We’re committed to tackling this kind of behaviour. If anyone faces similar issues, we urge them to contact Kent Police. Your tip-offs could help us stamp out drug dealers in your area.”
