Liverpool's Republik club closed in drugs raid Published duration 21 February 2015

image copyright Google image caption Seven men were arrested in the raid

A third Liverpool nightclub has been closed down by police in a drugs raid.

Police said officers entered Republik on Bold Street on Friday evening after an investigation found drugs were allegedly being dealt at the venue.

Officers found numerous bags of white powder believed to be Class A controlled drugs and arrested seven men on suspicion of drug offences.

The raid followed similar operations at the Garlands and Lomax earlier this month.

'No option'

Four men were arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to supply Class A controlled drugs, two on suspicion of supplying Class A controlled drugs and one man was held for possession of Class A controlled drugs.

Ch Supt Jon Ward said the force had "no option" but to close Republik.

He said: "The people of Liverpool have worked hard over the years to change dated and thoroughly undeserved perceptions of Liverpool as a city blighted by crime.

"We don't want a few irresponsible clubs to destroy the hard work that has seen a transformation in the city's night time economy."

Merseyside Police said a closure order was upheld at Liverpool and Knowsley Magistrates' Court so the club will remain closed until a full hearing on 6 March.