Braintree: Pub closes after drugs raid (From Braintree and Witham Times)

Braintree: Pub closes after drugs raid

9:07am Thursday 9th July 2009

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A pub which was at the centre of a drugs raid has been closed down.

Police executed a drugs warrant at The Bird in Hand in Coggeshall Road, Braintree, last Friday.

Since the raid the pub’s management company has taken the decision to close it.

A 26-year-old man from Braintree received a caution for possessing cocaine and cannabis and a 25-year-old man was charged with possessing cocaine.

Also, a 55-year-old man and 23-year-old man, both from Braintree, have been released on suspicion of possessing cocaine with intent to supply.

Detective Chief Inspector Mark Wheeler, of Essex Police’s Central Division, said: “The supply of controlled drugs at licensed premises often goes hand in hand with the trading of stolen goods.

“This tactic of executing warrants ensures the disruption of thieves and handlers of stolen goods - without handlers there would be no thieves.”

The Bird in Hand had only reopened in the winter of 2008 after being closed.

Eric Lynch, district councillor for Braintree East, said he had not heard of any drugs problems in that particular area, adding he was pleased the police had taken action.

Mr Lynch, also a member of Braintree Council’s licensing committee, said: “I think we had that incident on Coldnailhurst Avenue I do get the feeling the police are really taking things seriously."

The 25-year-old man has been released on police bail to appear before Chelmsford magistrates on July 15, the 55-year-old man has been bailed until September 21 and the 23-year-old man has been bailed until September 20.

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