TWO more drugs dens which bring misery to residents are being targeted after police won their first court order to shut a flat in Oxford.

Police closed a second-floor flat in Whitehouse Road, Grandpont, and evicted the tenant after Oxford Magistrates' Court heard on Wednesday he allowed it to be used by drug dealers.

It was the first time a closure order had been issued by Magistrates' in Oxford against premises used by drug dealers but now two more similar properties and their tenants face being brought to court.

The closure orders are part of the police and Oxford City Council's Operation Falcon which uses them as a final tactic once support and advice has been offered to drug users and dealers.

Leigh Thompson, drugs co-ordinator for Oxfordshire, said: "We are working on two more premises at the moment. But the closure orders are the last resort.

"I have been an officer for nearly 30 years and I know that simply arresting offenders and getting them to court doesn't work on its own.

"Those involved in drugs will offend again as soon as they are out of prison.

"Operation Falcon is about taking a holistic approach to the issue of drugs and working in partnership with all the agencies involved to break the cycle of drugs and crime.

"We will work with anybody who needs our help. It seems strange the police are offering help to drug users but we must get to the root of the problem."

The main targets are people who deal to children or vulnerable people, areas which have been turned into no-go areas because of dealing and violent drug users and dealers.

Drugs advice and help is offered through Substance Misuse Arrest Referral Team (SMART) and Oxfordshire Drug and Alcohol Action Team (DAAT).

But if the support is not used, a closure order can be sought. Once an order is secured in court it closes the property and kicks the tenant out until a possession order can be secured to return the premises to the landlord or housing association.

Chief Supt Shaun Morley said: "Drugs fuel many other crimes and cause misery for law-abiding citizens particularly when drug activity is centred around a house in your community.

"We already carry out a lot of drug enforcement through the warrants and carry out arrests that are made but this alone will not eradicate the use of drugs and associated crimes.

"Drugs are a social issue and we therefore need to target our resources where they will be the most effective."

A drug testing scheme has been introduced for anyone in custody at Oxford's police stations and anyone who tests positive will be referred for treatment.

Michael David, 45, was evicted from his flat on Whitehouse Road and the property has been boarded up.

The closure order lasts for three months.