Police in St Albans close takeaway and garage after drug related reports
Following the warrant, a 50-year-old male from St Albans was arrested
A St Albans takeaway and associated garage are now off limits after police achieved full Closure Orders for both premises.
India Garden on Catherine Street has been the subject of several drug related reports. Following these reports, a section 23 drugs warrant under the Misuse of Drugs Act, was executed on Friday 4 February at the takeaway and garage, at the back of the takeaway. A large quantity of Class A drugs, suspected to be worth thousands of pounds, were seized.
Following the warrant, a 50-year-old male from St Albans was arrested on suspicion of possession with intent to supply Class A drugs. He has subsequently been released under investigation pending further enquiries.
St Albans Police Community Safety Unit (CSU) worked in partnership with their Safer Neighbourhood Team colleagues to gather evidence for full Closure Order applications.
On Friday 25 February 2022, St Albans Magistrates’ Court granted the Closure Orders on the takeaway and the associated garage, which was used as a storage facility.
The court was satisfied that:
1) A person has engaged, or (if this order were not made) would be likely to engage in disorderly, offensive or criminal behaviour on the premises.
2) The use of the premises has resulted in, or (if this order were not made) would be likely to result in serious nuisance to members of the public.
3) There has been, or (if this order were not made) there would likely be, disorder near the premises which would be associated with that premises.
The Orders prohibit anyone from entering the premises for a period of three months, save for representatives of Coupers and their sub-contractors, utility companies in an emergency and the emergency services. Anyone who breaches the Orders could be arrested and fined, imprisoned or both.
Sergeant Mike Saunders, from the CSU, said: “We hope this latest development will reassure the public that we are listening and will take appropriate action where necessary. Everyone deserves to feel safe and happy in the community. We are committed to doing everything in our power to deal with suspected drug related incidents or anti-social behaviour and these Closure Orders are a significant step in protecting the community.”