Flat boarded up after drugs raid at Popham estate

Published: 5 February 2010
by RÓISÍN GADELRAB

POLICE have carried out a series of raids on homes – uncovering heroin, ecstasy pills and cocaine – after neighbours complained to the borough’s top cop of drug-related anti-social behaviour. In the last two weeks of January, Safer Neighbourhoods officers swooped on three addresses on the Popham estate in Islington and one in Highbury.

The raids followed a recent visit to the estate by Borough Commander Mike Wise and Lib Dem council leader Councillor Terry Stacy during which residents reported concerns over drug use in their neighbourhood. 

Police applied to the courts for a closure order on a flat in Rotherfield Street after the first raid, on January 21, uncovered heroin, cocaine and cannabis. One man was arrested and charged with possessing Class A and Class B drugs. The order will prevent anyone living there for a set amount of time.

A week later, police raided two flats in Birdbrook House, also on the Popham estate. Cannabis and a large amount of cash were found at the first and a man was arrested for possession with intent to supply Class B drugs and money laundering. 

At the second flat, officers discovered four bags of pills believed to be ecstasy and some cannabis. A man was arrested for possession of Class A drugs with intent to supply and possession of Class B drugs. 

On January 26, police searched an address in Catheral Road, Highbury, after Homes for Islington’s anti-social behaviour team reported noise and drug dealing at the home. Police found cannabis inside and arrested three men for possession of the drug. They were later released. Police and HfI are attempting to issue an anti-social behaviour contract against the tenant.

Chief Superintendent Wise said of the raids: “This is why the new Safer Neighbourhoods Task Force was set up – to help tackle problems like this on estates.”