A suspected drugs den has been closed down in Blacon.

The closure order (also known as a crack house closure) was approved for 23 Shelley Road, Blacon for an operation led by Chester Outer NPU with support from partner agencies.

Magistrates approved a closure after hearing a catalogue of evidence from police and Sanctuary Housing, during a hearing at Chester Magistrates Court on Thursday, October 16, 2014,

On August 14 2014, as part of Operation ImpACT, officers from Chester Outer Neighbourhood Policing Unit conducted a drugs warrant at the address where heroin and crack cocaine were recovered. This led to the arrest of an 18-year-old man on suspicion of being concerned in the supply of heroin.

The property, a three bedroom terrace house, was frequented by drug users and will now be boarded up for a period of at least three months. Anyone who enters the house during that time is committing an offence and can be arrested. Police have affixed large notices to the outside of the premises, explaining why it has been closed down. It will remain boarded up until late into the year.

Sergeant Mark Woollam said, “Drugs and anti-social behaviour have a massive impact on our communities. Local officers are determined to act to make our neighbourhoods safer by targeting the supply of Class A drugs.”

The local neighbourhood inspector Brian Green added: “We listened to the concerns of the local community and acted. This closure order demonstrates we will be robust in targeting those people that undermine our communities and bring misery to residents through their involvement in organised crime and illegal drugs. We will also take effective measures to stop anyone else entering the premises.”

“This sort of behaviour can have a major impact on local communities. It is an issue the force takes extremely seriously and we devote all the resources we can to tracing those responsible and disrupting their behaviour.”

“Information from members of the public is vital in the fight against drug related crime. We would urge anyone with any information in relation to drug use and supply in your community to get in touch on 101, or alternatively information can be reported anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”

The 18-year-old man has been released on bail until December 3.