Operation Merlin officers working throughout the county have been targeting those who think they are above the law during a four-day operation this week (14 - 18 October).
The operation resulted in 20 arrests across the county.
On Monday, Op Merlin officers were in the Barrow area where they began the week by making eight arrests.
This activity included the execution of a search warrant at an address in Ferry Road where a man was arrested on suspicion of possession with intent to supply Class A and B drugs. He was subsequently released on bail pending further investigations.
Officers then followed this up by attending Mikasa Street where they arrested a man and a woman on suspicion of the importation of steroids - a Class C drug. Both have been released under investigation whilst officers make further enquiries.
In addition, a man sought on suspicion of an offence of non-fatal strangulation was arrested and subsequently bailed, whilst four others who were outstanding for failure to attend court were arrested by officers and transported to court.
On Tuesday, Op Merlin officers were in the Carlisle area where they made four arrests, starting with the execution of a warrant in Carlisle where officers arrested a man on suspicion of conspiracy to burgle and handling stolen goods. He was subsequently bailed pending further enquiries.
Officers also arrested a man wanted on suspicion of assault GBH and another man on suspicion of dangerous driving. Both were subsequently bailed.
A woman was also arrested for failing to attend court and transported to court.
On Thursday Op Merlin officers were in West Cumbria where they made a further three arrests.
Officers stopped a vehicle in the Workington area and arrested a man on suspicion of drug driving. He was subsequently released under investigation to allow enquiries to continue. They also found, in the back seat, a man who had been wanted for the past six weeks for failure to attend court. He was transported to court.
Officers then arrested a man in the Workington area found to be in possession of drugs. He was subsequently given a police caution.
On Friday Op Merlin officers were in Kendal where they made five further arrests.
A search warrant resulted in a man being arrested on suspicion of possession with intent to supply Class A and B drugs. He was subsequently bailed whilst officers carry out further investigations.
Officers also arrested a man on suspicion of harassment and a man on suspicion of affray - both were subsequently bailed. They also arrested a man sought for failing to attend court.
The final arrest was a woman who had been wanted on suspicion of a public order offence. She was subsequently released under investigation.
Superintendent Annette McClement said: "Operation Merlin continues to send a clear message to those individuals who think they can ignore a summons to appear at court or those who may be wanted by police, you will be located and arrested.
"Operations such as this will regularly take place and my advice to anyone who knows they have a warrant out for their arrest, is to come forward today rather than wait for officers to knock at your door.
"A significant number of these arrests have been as the result of intelligence received from the public. I would like to take this opportunity to thank those within our communities who continue to come forward and support us. Please be assured, we will respond positively to any information received”.
Cumbria’s Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner, David Allen, said: “Twenty arrests over five days is an incredible result – especially as it involves arresting those who feel that they can avoid punishment for their crimes.
“Op Merlin is a fantastic snapshot of what the Constabulary achieve year-round in ensuing that those who commit a crime face the consequences of their actions. Basically if you commit crime in Cumbria you are a legitimate target.
“Tackling crime is a community effort so I would like to encourage the public to continue to report any suspicious or criminal activity – together we can protect Cumbria.”
If you have information regarding criminality in your area, you can report online at www.cumbria.police.uk/report-it.
You can also phone on 101.
Alternatively you can contact Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.
Always call 999 in an emergency or when a crime is in progress.