BBC News
Launch consoleBBC News in video and audio
News image
Last Updated: Thursday, 15 November 2007, 12:46 GMT
Police close island 'crackhouse'
A house used by drug addicts on Anglesey is now a no-go zone after police enforced a 'crackhouse' order on the property.

It is the first time such a measure has been used on the island.

Officers say the decision follows a long investigation into drug-related activities in the Llangefni area.

The property in the town has been boarded up, and it is now an offence to enter the building for the next three months.

Neighbourhood officer Sgt Guy Blackwell said: "I am extremely pleased that we have managed to secure this closure order, the first ever approved in Anglesey and Gwynedd.

"The effect that this illegal activity had on the local community, disrupting their day to day lives and placing them in fear, will not be tolerated.''

The warrant to close the property at Tan Capel in Llangefni was issued by magistrates on Wednesday, after an approach from police and its partners on the island.

Class A drugs

The courts were first given the power to order the closure of buildings in 2003, under anti-social behaviour legislation, where they are convinced a premises is involved with drug users taking class A drugs such as heroin and cocaine.

Sgt Blackwell added: "North Wales Police is committed to making neighbourhoods safer and more pleasant places to live.

"The supply of drugs affects the quality of life for everyone and we will continue our war using every available power for enforcement."

The closure notice will now remain in operation for a minimum of three months, until February 2008.





FEATURES, VIEWS, ANALYSIS
Has China's housing bubble burst?
How the world's oldest clove tree defied an empire
Why Royal Ballet principal Sergei Polunin quit

PRODUCTS & SERVICES

AmericasAfricaEuropeMiddle EastSouth AsiaAsia Pacific