By Isle of Wight Observer
Police smashed their way into the former ‘Private Shop’ on Pyle Street on Tuesday afternoon following reports that the commercial property was linked to ‘potential drug offences’.
Officers forced entry to the property with a battering ram shortly after 2pm, and remained at the property throughout the day.
Vectis Security was also in attendance, with personnel entering the property and taking pictures of the doorway following the forced entry.
It is understood the owner of the adult entertainment business sold the property a few weeks ago.
A spokesperson for Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary said: “At around 2:00pm on Tuesday (14 October) we attended an address on Pyle Street, Newport, following reports of potential drugs offences.
“A number of cannabis items were seized from the premises as part of our investigations.
“No arrests have been made at this time and our enquiries are ongoing.”
The premises on Pyle Street gained notoriety when it was approved to open as an adult entertainment shop in April 2004 by the Isle of Wight Council’s licensing panel. The council granted approval, but stipulated specific conditions, including the requirement for the name ‘Private Shop’ to be displayed on the exterior, and for the front to be painted brown and cream. At the time, it was the Isle of Wight’s only licensed sex shop.
Isle of Wight Observer