Constanta Shop in central Peterborough has been temporarily closed due to concerns about drug dealing, exploitation, and connections to organised crime.
Cambridgeshire Police said that a local Neighbourhood Support Team (NST) carried out a warrant at the premises on Lincoln Road on 22 July 2024.
Drugs and weapons were found in the search, leading to the arrest of two men and a closure notice served on the store.
Both men have since been bailed to return to Thorpe Wood Police Station in October.
An application to fully close the store was heard at Peterborough Magistrates’ Court on 24 July 2024, however it has been contested by the owners resulting in a further hearing which will be held on 7 August 2024.
Until this time, the store will remain closed under the interim closure notice, banning anyone from entering except for the emergency services and the landlord.
Police said any breach of the order is a criminal offence which could result in imprisonment of up to three months, a fine, or both.
Sergeant Paul Delmer from the NST said: “This work has been carried out as part of ‘Alliance’ – our commitment to tackle organised criminality in the area and make it an all-round better place for the local community.
“Alliance uses a combination of targeted, high-visibility, police operations and covert policing tactics alongside activity and inputs from partners and residents to prevent organised crime groups from operating in the area.
“I hope this action demonstrates to the community that we are working hard to tackle the issues of drugs and exploitation and causing significant disruption to reduce criminal activity and the associated issues it attracts.”
1 Readers' comment