Operation Merlin officers have targeted those who believe they are above the law in the latest week-long operation aimed at wanted individuals across Cumbria.
Last week’s four-day operation (Mon, Tues, Thurs, Fri) resulted in 19 arrests across the county.
On Monday, officers were in West Cumbria where they executed warrants and made four arrests.
A 20-year-old man from Workington was arrested on suspicion of being concerned in the supply of cocaine. He was subsequently released under investigation.
A man and a woman were arrested – one for failing to attend court and the other for breach of bail. Both were handed to the courts.
Officers also arrested 42-year-old John Pocklington of no fixed address. He was charged with two counts of possession of Class A drugs and bailed to attend Workington Magistrates’ Court on 24 February 2025.
On Tuesday, officers were in Carlisle where they made four further arrests.
Two men were arrested on warrants issued by the courts for failure to attend. They were handed to the courts.
A 34-year-old man was arrested for being over the drink-drive limit for drugs. He was subsequently released under investigation.
And a 68-year-old man who was sought for assault GBH was arrested and subsequently bailed.
On Thursday, officers were in South Cumbria where they made a further five arrests.
A 22-year-old man and a 19-year-old woman, both from Barrow were arrested on suspicion of drug supply offences. They were subsequently released under investigation.
A 40-year-old man from Askam-in-Furness was arrested on suspicion of assault and subsequently bailed, whilst a 27-year-old man was arrested for recall to prison and a 41-year-old woman was arrested for breach of bail.
On Friday, officers were in Penrith and Kendal, where they made a further six arrests.
Two men aged 25 and 27 and from Penrith were arrested on suspicion of drug supply offences.
Officers also arrested a 25-year-old man and a 26-year-old man on suspicion of being concerned in the supply of drugs.
They also arrested a man on suspicion of possession with intent to supply cannabis and a man on suspicion of drug driving.
All six of those arrested on Friday were subsequently released under investigation.
Chief Inspector Sam Turner said: “We make no apologies for our continued commitment to bringing into custody those wanted for serious offences, ranging from GBH to Class A drug dealing and possession.
“We are also committed to tracking down those individuals who believe they can ignore a court summons without repercussions or disregard the conditions of their police bail.
“Operation Merlin will continue throughout 2025 and we urge anyone who knows they are being sought by police to walk into a police station today rather than await a team of officers arriving at your door.”
Cumbria’s Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner, David Allen, said: “Operation Merlin is a fantastic example of Cumbria Constabulary’s contempt for criminality.
“The message is clear: if you commit a crime in Cumbria, you will face the consequence
“If you know that you have a warrant out for your arrest, I strongly suggest that you hand yourself 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.”