Drugs den shut down after heroin is found in police raid
By Cherry Wilson
cherry.wilson@essnmedia.co.uk
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SHUT DOWN: The block of flats where Michael Gilbert's home was
A drugs den has been shut down after heroin was found in a council flat during a police raid.
Michael Gilbert, 32, has been thrown out of his home, in Ruskin Road, Croydon, after officers discovered Class A drugs in the property on January 26.
Police were granted a closure order at Croydon Magistrates' Court last Friday (March 5).
It means nobody will be allowed to enter the home for three months, including Gilbert.
The Advertiser understands police raided the flat after a concerned neighbour made a call to Crimestoppers to say drugs were being used there.
Officers secured a warrant and stormed the property where they discovered a large quantity of heroin.
Gilbert was charged with possession of a Class A drug and pleaded guilty at Croydon Magistrates' Court on February 18.
He was sentenced to a 12-month supervision order and told to take part in a 12-month drug rehabilitation programme.
Visitors would arrive at the property at unsociable hours and stand around making noise – causing a huge nuisance to neighbours.
A Croydon Council source said: "They had people coming and going at all times, day and night.
"They weren't very discreet and didn't even go inside the house. It was outside the property.
"It was a nuisance and people knew it was a drugs den."
Police teamed up with the council to apply for the closure order.
The council is also taking steps to secure a possession order against Gilbert for breaching his tenancy.
If it is successful, he will be thrown out of the home for good.
Dudley Mead, the council's cabinet member for housing, said: "We have a solid record of securing these closure orders against people who use or deal Class A drugs from council properties.
"There are no excuses, we will always close down and evict anyone involved in drugs."
5 Comments
by Nicky, croydon
Friday, March 12 2010, 7:13PM
“Totally agree Leroy”
by Leroy, Croydon
Friday, March 12 2010, 4:04PM
“I know of this Michael Gilbert fellow, he is very much known throughout the area as a trouble maker and a Heroin Dealer and has connections to local Yardie gangs.
I dont understand how the police found large amounts of Heroin in the property but only charged him with possession. If someone has large amounts which is more than for personal use, that is supposed to be supply.”
by jackie, old coulsdon
Friday, March 12 2010, 3:45PM
“I don't actually recognise the London I used to know and I am not yet even 55...
Heaven knows how the older population feel.
If only people were less frightened of "dobbing" their neighbours in, easier said than done.”
by minter, bromley
Friday, March 12 2010, 1:36PM
“well said jackie thats why for the ist time in my life im voting bnp in may theve got policies on law and order the other 2 main partys will just not bring in like for instance making prisoners work . and chucking out scum that come to live here then break the law as soon as they get here.”
by jackie, old coulsdon
Friday, March 12 2010, 12:20PM
“Sadly this is just the tip of the iceberg.
These low lifes are everywhere and with instant communication nowadays the word is spread that one has been shut down only for another to be set up straight away.
All it takes is a few mobile phones and it moves to a seemingly innocent looking residence.
There are usually signs of cannabis factories with curtains closed permanently and condensation on the windows with just one person coming or going, they are all scum and the sooner they are off our streets and posing a threat to our children the better.”