Multiple drug raids conducted across Cumbria with six arrests

Police have conducted nine raids across north and west Cumbria as part of efforts to combat drugs crime in the county.

The coordinated operation led to six arrests and the seizure of suspected heroin, cocaine, amphetamine, MDMA, and cannabis, with raids taking place in Carlisle, Cockermouth, Whitehaven, and Workington.

Among the items confiscated were suspected illicit pharmaceutical pills and a suspected XL Bully.

Operation Ferrol involved not only arrests and enforcement action but also preventative measures, such as school visits and an online campaign aimed at gathering intelligence.

Detective inspector Dave Howard led the operation: "We follow any kind of positive action up with support. That might be for the individual involved in the drug use, the family or the community. Our officers will go round the different areas, engage with the local community and provide opportunity for them to report any further intelligence.

"Drugs can be extremely damaging. We have people in the community suffering with addiction and unfortunately we have a number of deaths and near misses that occur. That can happen anywhere."

The initiative is supported by the county’s Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner, David Allen, with funding coming from assets recovered from previous drugs enforcement efforts.

He said: "When I did my crime survey, number two on the list of priorities was drug dealers. Tackle them, take them out, deal with it. That's what we're doing this for.

"This is all based on intelligence, they don't just kick random doors in hoping to find drugs. This is sourced, double checked, then they come and do the day of action itself."

The funding seeks to target individuals suspected of supplying drugs within the community.