Restaurant owners build fence to keep drug dealers away from Helsinki's Puhos shopping center

Business owners at the Puhos shopping center in Helsinki's Puotinharju district have taken a drastic step to combat rampant drug dealing: they have built a fence. Muaz Almashash, who recently opened a restaurant in the area, installed the barrier as a primary measure to separate his establishment's outdoor seating from a known drug market.

The situation has become untenable for local entrepreneurs. Aso Ramazan, observing the scene, pointed out drug deals happening in broad daylight, with approximately ten suspected dealers congregating nearby. The drug trade is so overt that evidence of transactions is easily observable within a short period, even in the middle of the day.

“

Look, deals are happening right there now.

This open drug dealing is not just a nuisance; it actively harms businesses by deterring customers and fostering an environment of violence. The presence of dealers and associated criminal activity creates an atmosphere of insecurity that drives potential patrons away. The city of Helsinki is reportedly planning a redevelopment of the area, a move that business owners hope will effectively address and reduce the persistent drug trade.

“

The drug trade is so open that one can find numerous pieces of evidence with a short observation on a Wednesday in the middle of the day.