£30k worth of heroin seized from Torquay address

Police have seized approximately £30,000 worth of heroin from a Torquay address suspected of frequent drug use and dealing activity.

Devon & Cornwall Police said they successfully obtained a three-month full closure order of the property on Warberry Road after receiving reports of drug dealing and anti-social behaviour.

The order, which was obtained on Wednesday, 12 March, will prevent anyone from entering the address, excluding the landlord.

PC Dan Taylor said: “This address has caused a number of ongoing problems for people in the community, which had taken a toll on their mental health and well-being.

“We received reports of drug dealing, constant streams of people entering the property, including groups who we suspected were taking drugs while visiting the address, and reports of individuals causing a disturbance outside the property. This persistent activity had led to residents feeling anxious and intimidated in their own homes.”

Prior to the closure order being granted, a stop search was carried out on an individual who was known to frequent the address. 

This resulted in the seizure of thousands of pounds worth of Class A heroin. 

A further search was then carried out at the address on Warberry Road, where he was suspected to have been storing drugs; the search located approximately £30,000 worth of heroin.

The 45-year-old man was charged with possession with intent to supply on 8 February. He is remanded in prison awaiting trial. 

Machaela O’Brien, who led the legal team working on the case, said: “Applying for closure orders isn't a decision that we take lightly. Significant work takes place beforehand with the tenant in an effort to stop this behaviour from happening. When this approach doesn’t work, we have to look at other ways to disrupt the behaviour in the interest of keeping local people safe and preventing them from experiencing further harm.

“People’s homes are their safe spaces, and we don’t want anyone to ever feel nervous or intimidated in the area they live in. That’s why it was so important for us to take proactive action like this.

“Residents reported, we listened, and acted quickly. Thank you to everyone who came forward. I hope this shows people in the community that we are toughening our response to drugs in response to their concerns.”

The police are urging anyone experiencing similar problems or behaviour to report it on the Devon & Cornwall Police website. If a crime is taking place, call 999.