Talisman police raid: Wolverhampton pub 'at the heart of an organised crime drug ring' has licence suspended
A pub 'at the heart of an organised crime drug ring' has had its licence suspended by council bosses.
The Talisman in Wolverhampton has been closed by owners Punch Taverns since a police raid on Friday night when crack cocaine, digital scales and several bags and wraps of cannabis were found in the bar and toilets.
Yesterday's licensing sub-committee heard that the air was pungent with cannabis when around 40 officers with sniffer dogs arrived. They also uncovered £800 of herbal cannabis in the upstairs living quarters and cannabis production equipment in the cellar.
Some 35 pouches of Golden Virginia tobacco and six large bottles of vodka, thought to be contraband, along with suspected counterfeit clothing was also found. Four people were arrested.
Sgt Jake Flanagan, making the application on behalf of West Midlands Police, said the tenant was struggling to keep control of the pub since he was diagnosed with a serious illness last May and a 'power vacuum' had developed. He said: "The Talisman is at the heart of an organised crime drug ring."
The pub in Wildtree Avenue, The Scotlands, had its licence suspended pending a full review within 28 days when its longer-term future will be decided.
Sgt Flanagan said he hoped the decision sent a message to 'rogue landlords'. Punch Taverns spokesman Steve Nation called the move 'disappointing.'
