Three Arrested After Drugs Raids in Penrith and Alston
Three people have been arrested after police carried out drugs raids in Cumbria this month.
Cumbria Police’s Eden Neighbourhood Policing Team executed warrants in Penrith and Alston. As part of work to target suspected drug supply in local communities. Officers from operational support, the dog section and intelligence teams were also involved in the operation.
A man in his 20s was arrested on Wednesday, May 13th, after police carried out a warrant at an address in Stricklandgate, Penrith. He was arrested on suspicion of possession with intent to supply class B drugs.
Two other people were arrested earlier in the month after a warrant was carried out in Market Place, Alston, on May 1. A man in his 40s and a woman in her 30s were arrested on suspicion of drug supply offences.
All three people have since been released under investigation while police enquiries continue.
Drugs and cash seized
Police said quantities of drugs and cash were seized during the warrants.
The exact amounts have not been released. Officers said the raids formed part of ongoing efforts to disrupt drug supply in Eden.
The arrests took place in two different communities, with police activity focused on both Penrith and Alston. While the investigations remain ongoing, the operation shows that officers are continuing to act on suspected drug dealing across the district.
Police say community information is vital
Eden Neighbourhood Policing Team said information from the public plays an important role in helping officers build intelligence around drug use and supply.
The team said the warrants and searches had been carried out as part of ongoing work to target and disrupt drug supply within communities in Eden. Officers also encouraged anyone with information to speak to their local PCSO or community beat officer.
Police said they would “not hesitate to take action” where criminality is suspected and warned those involved in drug dealing that they should expect officers at their door.
What does released under investigation mean?
Being released under investigation means a person has not been charged, but police enquiries are continuing.
It allows officers to carry out further work, which may include examining seized items, reviewing evidence, speaking to witnesses or gathering more information. A decision can then be made later on whether any further action should be taken.
At this stage, the three people arrested in connection with the Penrith and Alston warrants remain under investigation.
Local concern around drug supply
Drug supply can have a wider impact on local communities. It can be linked to anti-social behaviour, exploitation, violence, theft and pressure on vulnerable people.
Police often rely on information from residents to identify suspected dealing, regular visitors to addresses, unusual activity, or concerns about people being exploited. Reports from the public can help officers build a fuller picture before enforcement action is taken.
The recent warrants in Penrith and Alston are part of that wider approach, combining local policing with support from specialist officers.
Residents urged to report concerns
Anyone with concerns about drug activity in their area is being encouraged to contact police.
This can include information about suspected dealing, unusual activity at a property, people coming and going at all hours, or concerns that someone may be vulnerable or being used by others.
Police have said community intelligence is vital in helping them take action. Information can be passed to local officers, through Cumbria Police’s usual reporting channels, or anonymously through Crimestoppers.
