A four-day operation across Cumbria targeting wanted men and women resulted in 19 arrests for offences including supply of Class A drugs, prison recall and a man sought for breach of a serious crime prevention order.
Op Merlin is Cumbria Constabulary’s on-going operation seeking out wanted individuals, including through the execution of warrants at addresses.
The four-day operation ran last week on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday (8 Dec, 10-12 Dec).
On Monday (8 Dec), officers executed a warrant at an address in Bailey Street, Ulverston, under the Misuse of Drugs Act.
After entering the property, they arrested a 47-year-old woman and a 37-year-old man on suspicion of being concerned in the supply of Class A drugs.
They were subsequently released under investigation to allow time for further enquiries.
In addition, a 46-year-old man from Appleby sought for failure to attend court was arrested, as well as a 22-year-old man sought for breaching a court order and a 45-year-old man from Kendal sought for prison recall.
On Wednesday (10 Dec), officers executed a warrant in Hunday Court in Workington under the Misuse of Drugs Act.
Inside the address, officers arrested a 54-year-old man on suspicion of possession with intent to supply Class A drugs.
He was subsequently released under investigation to allow time for further enquiries.
The same day, officers arrested two men for prison recall (one of no fixed address and one from Carlisle) and two men sought for failing to attend court (one living in Kendal and one of no fixed address).
On Thursday (11 Dec), officers executed a warrant in Peat Bank, Kendal, under the Misuse of Drugs Act.
Once inside, they arrested a 23-year-old man on suspicion of possession with intent to supply Class A drugs and an 18-year-old man on suspicion of possession with intent to supply Class B drugs.
Both were subsequently bailed whilst officers continue with their investigations.
The same day, officers executed a warrant under the Misuse of Drugs Act in Brentfield Way in Penrith where they arrested a 40-year-old man on suspicion of possession with intent to supply Class A drugs.
He was also bailed whilst officers continue with their investigations.
On Friday (12 Dec), officers arrested a 63-year-old man on suspicion of a breach of his serious crime prevention order.
Maurice Smith, of Kirkfell Avenue in Cockermouth was subsequently charged with the offence and appeared at Carlisle Magistrates’ Court on Saturday.
Also on Friday, four men sought for prison recall – three from Carlisle and one from Penrith – were arrested, as well as a 45-year-old man from Penrith sought for breach of a court order.
Superintendent Matt Pearman said: “This was an extremely successful week of action which saw officers executing warrants and arresting people – including individuals suspected of being involved in the supply of Class A drugs in our communities.
“In addition, we have taken action against people who think they are above the law and do not need to adhere to the terms of their prison release or an order of the court.
“Op Merlin is a regular operation of ours but we are also executing such warrants on a daily basis, locking up people who are wanted for serious offending.
“Our message to anyone who knows they are sought by the police is to hand yourself in today before we come knocking on your door one morning, whilst our message to the public is to keep reporting criminality in your community because we have officers ready to take action and get people in custody.”
Cumbria’s Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner, David Allen, said: “The message clear: if you commit a crime in Cumbria, you will face the full extent of the law.
“We are not a soft touch in Cumbria – if you have a warrant out for your arrest, we will find you.
“Nineteen arrests over the week is a brilliant achievement and the Police will continue to target those who are wanted.
“I would strongly suggest to anyone that has a warrant against them to hand themselves in to their nearest Police station instead of waiting for the Police to knock on their door.
“If you know someone that is wanted, please call the Police on 101, or 999 in an emergency. Alternatively, you can report anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. Let’s work together to keep Cumbria safe.”
You can report online at www.cumbria.police.uk/reportit
You can also phone on 101.
Alternatively you can contact Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.
Always call 999 in an emergency, including when a crime is in progress.