A significant police operation to crackdown on drug supply within the Carlisle area has led to numerous arrests being made and significant volumes of cash and drugs seized.
Operation Huelva, which was conducted on yesterday (Friday 2 May), was funded by the Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner David Allen as part of the Drugs Fund.
In total, seven warrants were executed across the city leading to nine people being arrested for a variety of offences, including the supply of controlled drugs and possession of criminal property.
Volumes of cocaine, ketamine and cannabis were recovered across these warrants as well as more than £556,000 in cash.
Officers also seized over a thousand cannabis vapes, hundreds of edibles and a samurai sword.
Following the warrants, officers moved into the city centre visiting licensed premises, speaking to management and engaging with customers. Officers were also giving out advice on spiking and conducting work to prevent Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG).
During the day, officers visited local schools to deliver an input to over 160 pupils about drugs and educated them about exploitation.
The operation included officers from the Neighbourhood Policing Team, Operational Support, Dog Section, the Community Serious Organised Crime Unit and Force Intelligence Units.
Detective Superintendent Ian Hussey said: “Operation Huelva, is the fourth policing operation we have carried out this year to target criminals involved in illicit drugs.
“This operation targeted activities within Carlisle and aimed to disrupt, prevent and target those who supply drugs in our communities.
“The work falls under the umbrella of Cumbria Constabulary’s overarching response to serious and organised crime – Operation Alliance.
“As part of this operation officers carried out several warrants to target criminals. We also had officers out in the city centre visiting pubs and clubs and providing a visible presence to disrupt criminal behaviour.
“We urge anyone with information on drug activities within our community to report information to us.”
Cumbria’s Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner, David Allen said: “Time and time again, residents raise with me their concerns around drugs within our communities which is why it is, quite rightly, one of my key priorities to disrupt and end drugs supply in Cumbria.
“The Police and I have a zero-tolerance policy regarding drugs – the funding provided by my Office to the Police allows us to target and tackle the individuals that deal drugs in Cumbria.
“Drugs cause devastation to families and communities, cause untold damage and blight whole areas so I am really pleased to see the positive results of Operation Huelva.
“The message to criminals is clear: if you deal drugs or are involved in the supply of drugs in Cumbria, you will be caught and punished.
“Residents know their area better than anyone – If you want drugs out of your local area so that you and your families can live safely - if you spot something suspicious or believe there is drug-related crime in your community, please report it to the Police on 101 or 999 in an emergency. Together we can protect Cumbria."
Got information on drug activities in your community?
You can report information about drug dealing in the community or think someone may be a victim of drug exploitation, quickly and easily online via: www.cumbria.police.uk/report-it.
Or call us on 101.
Alternatively, you can contact independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.