Two misuse of drugs act warrants, seven arrests, nine stop searches and one charge formed part of a day of action in Penrith on Friday (7 February).
The Eden Neighbourhood Policing team used local intelligence to carry out two early morning misuse of drugs acts warrants at addresses in Penrith. 20 other addresses were also visited as part of separate arrest enquiries.
Officers also carried out nine stop searches, seized drugs and made seven arrests for drug supply offences as a result of enquiries.
Kyle Chaloner, aged 46, of Elm Terrace, Penrith, was charged with five offences:
- possession of a bladed/sharply pointes article in a public place
- possession of class A drugs
- being concerned in the supply of class A drugs
- being concerned in the supply of class B drugs
- possession with intent to supply class B drugs
He appeared Carlisle Magistrates Court yesterday (10 February) and has been remanded into custody to next appear at Carlisle Crown Court in March.
The day of action forms part of Operation Apache – Eden NPT’s response to targeting and disrupting the supply of controlled drugs in the Penrith area.
Officers from Eden NPT were assisted by colleagues from Operational Support, Cumbria Police’s dogs’ section and Cumbria’s Community Serious and Organised Crime Unit (CSOC).
The warrants were funded by the Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner David Allen as part of the Drugs Fund which comes from orders made at court which puts the funds back into the communities to continue work tackling the supply of drugs.
Sergeant Martyn Irving, Eden NPT, said: “Eden Neighbourhood Policing Team will continue to target those that cause the most harm in our communities and will strive to safeguard the most vulnerable.
“I hope our visibility in Penrith on Friday sends a clear message to any potential offenders that we will not tolerate drug dealing in our communities.
“I would like to take this opportunity to remind residents that information we receive from you is vital.
“Our officers visited 74 premises after this activity to conduct drug activity community appeals.
“If you witness drug supply activity or have information, please report this to us.”
Cumbria’s Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner, David Allen, said: “Drugs and their supply will never be tolerated in Cumbria.
“Drugs cause devastation to families and communities, cause untold damage and area blight. I am, therefore, delighted to see the zero-tolerance approach that the Constabulary are taking to prevent and tackle drug supply activity.
“The funding provided by my office will help target and tackle the individuals that deal in drugs in Cumbria.
“I, for one, am very happy with that approach.
“Let me be clear, if you deal drugs or are involved in the supply of drugs, you will be caught and punished".
Anyone with information can report online at www.cumbria.police.uk/report-it or contact Crimestoppers anonymously via 0800 555 111.