The two-storey building, at 38 Dundonald Street, was in poor condition and had been vacant for roughly four months.

But former UBP MP Leonard Gibbons, of the Leonard Gibbons Real Estate firm, said the deteriorated condition did not prevent its illegal use "as a place for some people to go''.

Police Task Force officers were on hand before the demolition yesterday and arrested a 44-year-old Warwick man for possession of drug equipment.

Mr. Gibbons said the now vacant lot would probably be used for parking, but added there were no long-term plans for the area.