A Finsbury Park club faces closure after a police raid found at least half a kilogram of cocaine.
Police raided Arda 2, a Bulgarian restaurant and club on Seven Sisters Road, Holloway, on 8th November and found the drugs in flats above the venue where the owner told police he lives.
Police Involvement
The police have applied to Islington Council for the club’s licence to be revoked and for it to cease trading, citing eight intelligence reports over the last two years linking the venue to drugs and firearms.
The most serious incidents include a recent drugs raid and a knife attack on 21 October last year.
Arda 2, which is still open for business, has a broad licence that includes the sale of alcohol, late night refreshment, dancing, making music, performing music and playing recorded music.
The police’s application was made on the ground of Prevention of Crime and Disorder, to prevent further crime in and around the club and protect the public.
These incidents ‘raise concerns over the licensee and his ability to operate a safe, professional venue,’ the police said.
Arda 2’s licensee and owner, Mr Detar Hekuri, has himself been arrested for a number of serious crimes, say police, and they believe he is failing to run a ‘safe and professional venue.’
He said of the recent drugs raid: “It’s nothing to do with the restaurant. People know me for many years and everybody knows it’s upstairs and nothing to do with the restaurant. I’ve worked in this place for eight years – I don’t like this kind of thing.
“The restaurant is a favourite in the community – people come in very serious and nice. December is fully booked by different kinds of companies – very serious business people”.
Jeremy Corbyn, MP for Islington North, who lives on nearby Berriman Road, wrote to Islington Council’s Licencing Team: He said: “Over the years I have myself been disturbed and received numerous complaints from others about loud music, raised voices and occasional fracas involving the clientele of Arda 2.’
“It is suspected patrons also have access to firearms”
“I am not surprised that the police have concerns about the alleged supply and use of hard drugs on the premises. I was concerned to know it is suspected that patrons also have access to firearms.
“I support the view of the police that the premises should close pending a full review of the licence”.
A spokesperson from Islington Council said: “A review of the licence is being called. We cannot confirm at present when this will be heard by committee”.
The last date for representations is 25th December 2013.
EDIT: Eight men aged between 19 – 46 years were arrested on suspicion of being concerned in the supply of Class A drugs. All have been bailed to return to police on 18 December 2013.
By Natalie Gil, @natalierosegil
