Shopkeepers and members of the public were puzzled yesterday at the heavy Police presence in Court Street.

Before 9 a.m. Police raided a local business, Tuff Shoes and members of the Police PSU and two of their large vans remained in front of the shop throughout the day.

Shopkeepers and other rubbernecks hung around outside neighbouring shops to watch Police and officers from the K9 Unit come and go from the business.

Police drug sniffing dogs were seen entering the property but Police spokesman Dwayne Caines did not want to release much about the operation but simply said Police attended the Court Street business ?in furtherance of a search warrant?. understands the Police narcotics department were not involved in the operation.

A local businessman said the situation ?it?s just bad for business?.

Government launched a beautification and restoration project in Court Street earlier this year which included additional street lighting, Police cameras strategically placed along the street as well as a consistent physical Police presence in the form of beat officers.

So far the only changes have included a fresh lick of paint on some of the buildings north of Dundonald Street. More recently, the entire North East Hamilton, including Court Street, was earmarked by Government to be the first Economic Empowerment Zone ? all part of an ongoing initiative to revitalise the city of Hamilton.

As for the connection between Court Street and drugs, Finance Minister, Paula Cox has been quoted as saying: ?Even though we highlight Court Street as the ?back of town? I certainly wouldn?t want to leave the impression that?s the only area where you see drugs.?

When asked how the Government would deal with crime in north Hamilton, Ms Cox said there were no quick solutions to eradicate crime immediately as it would not be done by one entity.

No further comment from the Police concerning the early morning raid was available yesterday afternoon.