On Friday (14 Nov) officers from Cumbria Constabulary executed warrants at addresses across Cumbria in the latest crackdown targeting those suspected of involvement in drug dealing in our communities.
Operation Alford was funded by the Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner David Allen as part of the Drugs Fund.
The fund takes money recovered from drug activities to target further those dealing and supply drugs.
A total of 10 warrants were executed in Cumbria on Friday morning in:
· Barrow
· Carlisle
· Kendal
· Mirehouse
· Longtown
· Penrith
The warrants resulted in eight arrests. All of those arrested have since been released under investigation to allow officers to continue with their enquiries.
Detective Inspector Dave Howard of Cumbria Constabulary said: “These warrants were just the latest in our on-going work to target those who are seeking to prey on vulnerable members of our community by dealing drugs – from Longtown to Barrow.
“However, whilst the warrants executed and the doors knocked down will grab the attention, this operation goes wider than that. We have officers, alongside partners, going into schools to educate young people about drugs and the dangers they pose.
“We are also leafleting communities so that those people who suspect there are drug dealers operating in their community know how to contact us so that action can be taken, as it was with Operation Alford.”
During Friday’s Op Alford warrants, officers recovered drugs including cocaine and cannabis. In addition, more than 200 THC vapes were seized.
Officers also recovered other items including cash, phones and items potentially for use in drug-related activity including scales and grinders, as well as weapons including a machete and a knuckle-duster.
As well as targeting those involved in traditional street drug dealing, the operation also sought to target those who use online means to sell illegal drugs.
Det Insp Howard said: “This day of action funded by the PFCC demonstrates that Cumbria Constabulary takes online drug supply seriously and we are committed to tackling it.
“Online drug supply is insidious and disproportionately affects young people who may be drawn into seeing advertisements online and trying drugs for the first time without ever meeting a dealer face-to-face - and without their parents ever becoming aware who their children are interacting with online.
“Operation Alford would not have happened without intelligence provided by our communities and we urge those who may have information about drug dealers online to share that information with us so that we can take prompt and effective action."
As well as executing warrants, the Constabulary also distributed DACAs (Drug Awareness Community Appeal leaflets) across the county as part of this operation, which has already resulted in further intelligence being received from the public.
The operation also saw officers going into local schools to help educate young people about drugs and their dangers, with officers having engaged with an estimated 500 children through these school visits.
Cumbria’s Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner, David Allen, said: "Time and time again residents have told me they want action on drug dealers.
"I've had a nearly 40-year career tackling drug dealers and I know the harm that drugs cause to our communities, they tear families apart and destroy lives.
"I'm delighted by the results of this operation, and I will ensure there is a continued zero tolerance approach to drugs in Cumbria."