Drugs café posing as snack bar on New Cross Road shut down

Photo: Nicholas Thompson

Photo: Nicholas Thompson

A snack bar on New Cross Road in Lewisham has been shut down for 14 days over allegations that drugs were being sold on the premises

Following a raid by the police in the Telegraph Hill Safer Neighbourhoods Team, a closure notice was issued, citing the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014, stating no one was allowed on the premises for 24 hours, starting November 13.

The 24-hour closure was extended to 14 days on November 17, after a search warrant was executed and cannabis was found at the property.

“A drugs warrant was obtained after police received reports of drug related anti-social behaviour taking place as a result of illegal activity on the premises,” said Police Constable Jola Adeyamo, ward officer for Telegraph Hill.

“At the search on 16/11/16, three males were arrested for drugs related offences as class B drugs were found on the premises.”

The investigation culminated in a 24-hour closure notice being issued on the address’ occupants. The closure notice was then extended for 14 days at Bromley Magistrates Court.

Danny Kushlick, Head of External Affairs at and founder of Transform, a charitable think tank campaigning for an end to the drug war, said: “The fact is that anyone selling anything (illegal drugs) needs to be regulated, particularly psychoactive drugs.”

“No one should be selling drugs unless they have a license to do so. Certainly not for profit, and if they are making a profit, they should be paying tax.”

Adeyamo said: “PCs from Telegraph Hill Safer Neighbourhoods Team will be attending court to extend the closure notice into a closure order,” before adding, “Drugs related Anti-Social Behaviour is a priority for the Telegraph Hill ward.”

The three males have been charged with drugs offences and will appear in court on December 6.

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