DELIGHT AS SUSPECTED DEALER EVICTED

RELIEVED residents have described the closure of a suspected drug
dealers' den as the best Christmas present they could receive.

After suffering 18 months of anti-social behaviour and intimidation
from drug users, people on the Parkfield estate in Stockton enjoyed
their festive cheer.

A man police described as the last suspected dealer on the estate had
his door knocked down on Saturday morning and police are hopeful his
demise will bring some peace and quiet for the locals.

Ward community officer PC Les Gray said: "We targeted this house
because we knew he was a drug user, drug dealer and he was allowing
others to use his flat for taking drugs.

"When we went inside we found paraphernalia for all sorts of drugs,
including crack cocaine and heroin.

"We are delighted to be closing down this drug dealer because it will
bring some well earned rest for all the residents who have suffered
months of misery.

"Drug dealing on this estate should return to virtually nothing with
the removal of this one remaining dealer."

Despite the cold, damp weather many neighbours were on the streets to
see the alleged dealer evicted from his flat and metal shutters
erected to keep it secure for three months.

One said: "This is best Christmas present we could have received - it
is absolutely fantastic. We have endured months of misery with people
coming at all times of the day and night.

"We should get the estate back to normal now he has been kicked out
of his flat."

Another added: "It was not always safe to leave your house because
you didn't know which undesirables could be hanging around outside.
It wasn't just the coming and going, it was the shouting, banging and
general anti-social behaviour."

When officers entered the first floor flat, they found the occupant
lying on the couch, surrounded by filth and rubbish. He was escorted
out with just a bag full of belongings to his name.

PC Gray said: "I would urge the community to continue to provide
information to the police to help us tackle the problems of drug
dealing in the Stockton area."