A COUNCIL flat was used to sell crack cocaine, a court was told yesterday.
Trevor Hinds, 40, of Southwide Road, Sunderland, and Reginald Johnson, 58, of Union Street, Middlesbrough, deny being concerned in selling drugs in October and November 1999.
Mr Hinds is accused of supplying cocaine and Mr Johnson is accused of being concerned in the supply of cocaine. Both deny the charges.
The trial, at Teesside Crown Court, was told by Paul Newcombe, prosecuting, that an undercover police officer had made test purchases at an address in Union Street, Middlesbrough, a council-flat rented by Mr Johnson.
The officer gave Mr Hinds £20 for a rock of crack cocaine on two days, he said.
Mr Newcombe said surveillance showed many people arrive at the house.
He said: "Mr Johnson was allowing his house to be used as a crack shop."
But Mr Johnson said many people visited to play cards, and sometimes, when there were not enough players, they left straight away.
The trial continues.
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