A town centre flat in Newport that had been taken over by drug users and repeatedly used for suspected criminal activity has been sealed off by Police after reports of discarded needles, noise nuisance and anti-social behaviour.
Officers from Newport’s Neighbourhood Policing Team have worked with partners to secure the unoccupied property, which had been broken into and taken over by a group of people regularly taking drugs inside.
The activity had been causing significant problems for neighbouring residents, with used needles being discarded and persistent noise and anti-social behaviour making life miserable for those living nearby.
Police attended the address on Friday (2nd October), where 4 people were detained and removed from the property.
A 44-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of possession of heroin with intent to supply. He has since been bailed with conditions until 2nd January, while the investigation into suspected drug supply continues.
Despite the initial intervention, officers discovered earlier this week that people had once again gained access to the flat.
Those involved were removed, and Police subsequently worked with those responsible for managing the property to arrange for it to be more securely sealed, preventing further unauthorised access.
The action forms part of Operation Hooper, a policing initiative targeting drug-related anti-social behaviour and protecting vulnerable people from criminal exploitation, including cuckooing – where criminals take over someone else’s property to facilitate illegal activity.
PC Jack Evans, of Newport’s Neighbourhood Policing Team, has said:
“Neighbourhood officers have set up Operation Hooper, which is focused on targeting drug-related anti-social behaviour and safeguarding vulnerable people who have been exploited by criminals using tactics such as cuckooing.
“This particular flat was repeatedly coming to our attention due to the impact it was having on local people. Noise, drug paraphernalia and anti-social behaviour was making life miserable for others.
“Working with those in charge of the property’s management, we are pleased to see this flat is now sealed off to stop people from getting inside and continuing this behaviour. We have also made an arrest in connection with associated drugs supply and that investigation continues.
“We urge anyone in the community who is affected by, or has information relating to drug use, supply and associated nuisance behaviour to please keep reporting this to police. Officers will explore the most effective tactics to disrupt this behaviour and take action against those involved.”
