West Bromwich pub shut after five arrested in drugs raid

Five people were arrested and bags of cannabis and cocaine seized following a raid on a pub in the heart of West Bromwich. More than 40 police descended on the Star and Garter, in High Street.

The raid, which involved specialist officers from the force's Gangs and Organised Crime Unit, came as a result of information from members of the public about anti-social behaviour and suspected drug dealing on the premises. Officers detained around 40 people inside the pub.

A total of five arrests were made during the operation, at around 5.30pm yesterday.

A 50-year-old man, from Oldbury, was arrested for possession of cocaine with intent to supply. He has been bailed until next month. A 51-year-old man, from West Bromwich, was arrested for possession of cocaine and received a caution.

Two men, aged 28 and 32 were arrested for possession of cannabis. The 32-year-old was given a fixed penalty while the 28-year-old remained in custody today.

One man was also arrested for being drunk and disorderly while five other people, including two members of staff, received fixed penalty notices for possession of cannabis.

Officers also found bags, believed to contain cannabis and crack cocaine, which had been discarded around the premises.

Police today confirmed the pub had been shut pending a review which would be considered by the licensing team on Monday.

During the operation, a sniffer dog was used.

Inspector Akeel Najib, who led the raid, said: "We have received an awful lot of calls from members of the public in recent weeks which is why we took this action."

By Lee Watton