Cumbria police make 20 arrests in crackdown on county lines drug crime

Police in Cumbria have arrested 20 individuals and executed 12 search warrants during a focused week-long operation against county lines drug crime.

The operation led to the confiscation of substances suspected to be cocaine, ketamine, cannabis, and MDMA, alongside weapons and more than £15,000 in cash.

The apprehended individuals also faced charges unrelated to county lines as police encountered other offenses while targeting this drug threat.

Community police efforts aimed at preventing individuals from becoming involved in these criminal networks were also part of the initiative.

County lines refers to gangs and organized networks that move drugs between areas using dedicated phone lines.

The intensification week seeks to apprehend offenders, protect victims, and safeguard vulnerable adults and children.

Findings from the operation included cocaine, cash, and counterfeit cigarettes seized, resulting in two arrests.

Other notable outcomes were cocaine and cash seized from a Penrith property, cannabis, air pistols, and a pitbull confiscated from Barrow, and an arrest following the recovery of cannabis, cocaine, ketamine, and cash from Carlisle.

Additionally, officers seized illicit medication, a crossbow, a stun gun, three vehicles, and 26 phones.

Detective Inspector Sam Johnson highlighted the priority of tackling county lines drugs crime year-round, with operations like this intensification designed to disrupt and deter criminal activity.

Prevention work

Cumbria Police are not just focusing on arrests; prevention is a key element of their strategy.

Their 1CLIC initiative, backed by Cumbria Constabulary and The Well Communities, aims to raise awareness and educate about county lines risks.

This partnership, funded by the Office of the Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner, supports those recovering from addiction and aims to divert at-risk individuals away from illicit drug supply networks.

Efforts by the 1CLIC team during the week included informative visits to holiday parks, interventions with 13 individuals over welfare concerns, property inspections for suspicious activity, school presentations, and visits to taxi companies to raise awareness.

Community involvement

Cumbria’s Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner, David Allen, emphasized the importance of community involvement in tackling drug-related issues.

Allen reaffirmed Cumbria's zero-tolerance stance on drugs and urged the public to report any illegal or suspicious activity.

He stated that every report contributes to building evidence to maintain community safety.

Signs of county lines involvement

Signs that someone may be involved in county lines, including young people, encompass frequent solo traveling, especially during school hours or late at night, appearing lost or anxious, possessing multiple phones or large amounts of cash, and sudden acquisition of expensive items.

It's important to be aware of these indicators to protect those who might be exploited by these criminal networks.