Operation Merlin – which sees officers proactively targeting wanted individuals including through the execution of warrants – resulted in more arrests last week.
The four-day operation (Tues – Fri) resulted in 14 arrests of wanted individuals.
These included the arrest on Tuesday (6 May) of a man in Millom on suspicion of being concerned in the supply of drugs. He was subsequently released under investigation to allow time for further enquiries to be carried out.
On Wednesday (7 May) officers arrested a man in Kendal sought for failing to attend court. He was arrested and handed to the courts.
On Thursday (8 May), officers arrested a 45-year-old West Cumbria man on suspicion of a number of offences.
Keith Riley, 45, of Mitchell Avenue, Northside, Workington, was subsequently charged with a number of possession with intent to supply offences – including Class A - as well as possession of offensive weapons.
He appeared before Workington Magistrates’ Court on Friday (9 May) and will next appear at court on 9 June, at Carlisle Crown Court.
Officers made further arrests on Thursday, including a Workington woman who was subsequently cautioned for possession with intent to supply. Also arrested were a woman for recall to prison and a woman for failure to attend court. A man was also arrested for breach of bail.
On Friday (9 May), officers made a further seven arrests.
Three were arrested for recall to prison and another for failure to attend court.
Officers also arrested a Maryport woman for possession with intent to supply. She was subsequently cautioned, whilst a Workington man was arrested for being concerned in the supply of drugs and subsequently released under investigation.
The final arrest was a woman from Whitehaven on suspicion of burglary. She was released on police bail to allow time for further investigation.
Superintendent Matt Pearman said: “We regularly run Operation Merlin to proactively go after those people wanted for offences ranging from being concerned in the supply of drugs to failing to attend court on a specified date.
“Last year these operations resulted in 90 arrests across all of the operations.
“However, scooping up wanted individuals is also day-business for our officers, who are on the streets every day looking out for wanted individuals and making proactive arrests.
“More Op Merlin week of actions will take place throughout 2025 and my message to those people who are walking the street in the full knowledge they are wanted is – hand yourself in today before our officers come to your door.”
Cumbria’s Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner, David Allen, said: “Operation Merlin highlights Cumbria Constabulary’s contempt for criminality.
“You cannot commit a crime in Cumbria without facing the consequences.
“I strongly suggest that anyone with a warrant against them hands themselves in before the Police knock on your door – which they will do.
“If you know of someone that is wanted by the Police, contact 101 or 999 in an emergency. Let’s work together to protect Cumbria from crime.”