A crack den in Middlesbrough so busy it operated two separate queues for customers has been closed down by court order. The terraced house on Percy Street saw up to 15 people queuing outside at peak times, according to the town council.
Cleveland Police recorded 19 suspected crack cocaine deals at the property in November alone. A raid that month uncovered bags of the drug prepared for sale, leading to the tenant's arrest.
Newport ward councillor Chris Cooke described the scene: 'At its height I saw this property have to organise a second queue from the alley gate as they had too many customers.' The house has now been boarded up.
Mayor of Middlesbrough Andy Preston said: 'No-one should have to put up with this sort of appalling, anti-social behaviour, and these operations are sending out a clear message that we won't stand for it. We can only do this with invaluable information from local people and great partnership working - and that's making a real difference to the lives of ordinary, law-abiding people.'
