Six arrests after drugs raids across North and West Cumbria
Six people were arrested after police carried out nine drugs raids across north and west Cumbria on April 29th.
Officers were deployed in Carlisle, Cockermouth, Whitehaven and Workington as part of a targeted operation to tackle suspected drug supply.
Police seized suspected heroin, cocaine, amphetamine, MDMA and cannabis. Suspected illegal pharmaceutical pills were also recovered, along with a suspected XL Bully dog.
The raids were part of Operation Ferrol. A police operation focused on disrupting drugs crime and protecting communities from the harm linked to drug dealing.
Raids carried out across four areas
A simultaneous police briefing was held across stations in Cumberland before officers were sent to the target addresses.
Searches were then carried out at the properties, leading to arrests and the seizure of suspected drugs.
The operation covered several communities across north and west Cumbria. With officers targeting people suspected of being involved in drugs crime.
The six arrests form part of a wider effort by Cumbria Police to disrupt drug supply across the county.
Suspected drugs seized
The suspected substances recovered during the raids included class A and class B drugs.
Police said suspected heroin, cocaine, amphetamine, MDMA and cannabis were seized.
Officers also recovered suspected illicit pharmaceutical pills. These can pose serious risks when they are sold illegally. As people may not know what they contain, how strong they are or where they have come from.
A suspected XL Bully was also seized during the operation.
Operation funded through recovered money
The latest action was funded by Cumbria’s Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner, David Allen.
The money used for the operation came from funds already recovered through previous drugs enforcement work.
This means cash linked to earlier criminal investigations has been used to support further police action against suspected drug supply.
Police said the funding allowed officers to carry out targeted work across the county.
Police say work will continue
Detective Inspector Dave Howard led the operation.
He said tackling drugs crime remains a year-round priority for Cumbria Police. With officers working to disrupt, deter and detain people involved in this type of offending.
He said the action was intended to send a clear message that police are continuing to target drug offenders and protect people harmed by the illegal drugs trade.
The operation did not focus on enforcement alone. Officers also carried out prevention work, including school visits and an online campaign aimed at gathering intelligence.
Prevention and support work
Police said part of the work involved speaking to young people about drugs and the dangers linked to them.
This included education work in schools, delivered with partners.
The operation also highlighted support available through the county’s 1CLIC initiative, which aims to help people affected by drugs and those at risk of becoming involved in drug-related harm.
Support is also available through Recovery Steps Cumbria for people affected by drug use.
Public urged to report concerns
Police are asking people with information about drug dealing or suspected drug activity in their area to come forward.
Information can be reported online through Cumbria Police or by calling 101.
People who do not want to speak to police directly can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
Police said intelligence from the public can help officers build a clearer picture of drug activity and decide where future action is needed.
