Drugs cost tenant his family home

Housing staff worked in partnership with the police to tackle the drugs-related antisocial behaviour, charge the culprit, and restore peace to the community.

The tenant in question was involved in a drug gang that involved the importing of drugs from Europe, Canada and the United States which were distributed using drug runners. The proceeds were then converted into Bitcoin to conceal the proceeds. However, the tenant was under suspicion and at the end of last year police officers carried out search warrants at the address and found drugs, weapons and money related to drug dealing at the property.

As a result, the son was arrested on drugs charges and pleaded guilty at court. Meanwhile, we instigated court proceedings against the parents to evict the family from their council home. The son received a prison sentence for his role in the drugs ring and his parents have lost their home and will be unable to apply to the housing register for re-housing due to the seriousness of the breach of the tenancy agreement.

The property has now been re-let to a family on the waiting register.

For neighbours who had been living next door to a drugs operation it has been a frightening experience which is why we acted quickly with the police to tackle the issue and ensure the perpetrator was arrested and no longer in a position to intimidate others or put residents in danger.

All our tenants have a right to feel safe and live in peace and that means sticking to the terms of the Tenancy Agreement. Evicting tenants from council homes is always the last resort, but it is action we can and do take in serious situations like this. 

We work to ensure council neighbourhoods are safe but if you do need to report antisocial behaviour or if you have suspicions about drug related activity in your community please contact your Local Housing Office or report it online.