Cash, weapons and class A drugs were found in two flats in the Westgate area of the city during a police raid on the back of intelligence from Newcastle City Council housing staff.
A shatter lab, which uses butane gas, pressure cookers and vacuum ovens to produce super-strength cannabis, was also found in a house in Fenham.
Working in partnership with the police, Newcastle City Council’s Safe Living team took all three cases to court to request closure orders to prevent the residents and their associates from returning to the properties.
Magistrates approved the requests and all three properties have now been cleared of dangerous items and shut down. The closure orders mean the properties will be secured for three months while evictions are pursued.
Councillor Paula Maines, Cabinet Member for Housing said: “These closure orders send a clear message that we will not tolerate crime and anti-social behaviour in our communities.
“Everyone has the right to live in a neighbourhood where they feel safe and, working in partnership with our colleagues at Northumbria Police, we will do whatever it takes to tackle issues in our properties.
“Since the housing transfer last year, we’ve been working hard to get a better understanding of life on our estates, and we urge anyone with information or concerns about illegal activity to report it to us by email or phone so action can be taken.”
Inspector Patrick Hannon, of Northumbria Police, said: “No-one should have to put up with drug-dealing and anti-social behaviour on their doorstep and that is why in conjunction with our partners we have taken the necessary action to get these properties closed.
“We will continue to do all we can to tackle issues in our communities by preventing crime and bringing those responsible for criminal activity to justice.
“Please continue to work with us by providing information on any concerns in your area, so that we can deal with them appropriately.”
Newcastle City Council’s Safe Living team deals with anti-social behaviour in council properties. Contact the team by phoning 0191 278 7878 or emailing safeliving@newcastle.gov.uk.
Anyone wanting to report crime or anti-social behaviour can send Northumbria Police a direct message on social media or use the live chat and report pages on the Force website.
For those unable to contact police via the above ways, call 101.
In an emergency, or if a crime is taking place, always ring 999.
Image: Councillor Paula Maines, Cabinet Member for Housing