Police targeting the threat from county lines drugs crime made nearly 30 arrests, discovered a string of drug stashes and seized £44,000 in a two-day crackdown in and around Carlisle.
Operation Vanguard saw some suspects greeted at daybreak while they were still in bed by officers forcing entry to houses to make arrests and gather evidence.
Other arrests were made and drugs and cash seized following intelligence-led foot and vehicle patrols in a link-up involving both Cumbria and Merseyside police forces.
The aim was to target county lines drugs crime, with other suspected offences also being investigated as officers came across them.
County lines is a term used to describe gangs and organised networks involved in exporting drugs into other areas, using dedicated mobile phone lines.
Operation Vanguard involved Merseyside Police working as part of their own initiative, Project Medusa, which targets county lines crime and protects vulnerable people.
Results included:
- A drugs warrant being executed in Whinsmoor Drive. Two arrests were made, class A and B controlled drugs were seized along with an electric bike, suspected of being bought with the proceeds of crime.
- Four people stopped at Central Avenue. Four were arrested and charged with conspiracy to supply class A drugs.
- A man arrested in Central Avenue on suspicion of possession with intent to supply class A drugs.
- A drugs warrant being executed at Linden Terrace, with a man arrested on suspicion of being concerned in the supply of class A drugs. Class A and B controlled drugs were seized
- 9kg of cannabis being seized following a vehicle stop outside the city.
- £20,000 of cash seized following a vehicle stop outside the city.
- A man arrested at Stonegarth on suspicion of possession with intent to supply drugs.
- A man arrested at Margaret Creighton Gardens on suspicion of being concerned in the supply of class A drugs.
- Seizure of £24,000 in a stop-search outside the city.
- A woman being arrested at Raisbeck Close on suspicion of being concerned in the supply of class A drugs.
- A man failing a drugs wipe for cocaine and cannabis following a stop search on the edge of Carlisle, by Carleton.
- A number of other drug driving arrests.
- Officers on patrol spotting a range of driving offences such as people driving while disqualified and driving with no insurance.
Detective Inspector Sam Johnson said: “Officers work all-year-round to tackle the threat from county lines drugs gangs and protect those potentially being exploited, with significant sentences handed out in the courts to reflect this work.
“This two-day operation saw officers from Merseyside Police join our own officers to enhance the response to this type of offending over two days of targeting in intelligence-led action and patrols.
“Drugs and drug-related crime are extremely harmful to our communities and operations such as this are crucial to targeting those responsible.
“Specialist resources have been used to pursue individuals with a view to arresting suspects, removing controlled drugs from the streets and identifying any avenues to disrupt those involved.
“Working alongside other forces allows us to maximise information sharing and intelligence in order to target offenders, safeguard vulnerable people and prevent further harm.
“This operation follows the recent launch of the neighbourhood pledge and, while the issues here are focussed on the world of serious and organised crime, it is through officers being engaged in our communities that we receive some of the information we need to take the people behind these drugs crimes off the streets.
“Operation Vanguard involved various departments across the constabulary as well as a massive contribution from Merseyside Police – and I’d like to thank them all for contributing to these results.”
Inspector Stephen Morris, from Merseyside Police, said: “Merseyside’s county lines team, Project Medusa, continues to work closely with other forces and agencies to target county lines and protect vulnerable people.
“This joint operation with Cumbria Police shows that we will relentlessly target the crime groups who supply drugs across the country, cowardly exploit vulnerable people in our communities and take part in serious criminal behaviour such as violence, exploitation and abuse.
“Our work to tackle county line criminality and bring them to justice continues on a daily basis and I would ask anyone who has information about this kind of activity to come forward so action can be taken.”
Preventative work
As well as enforcement, officers and staff seek to stop county lines drugs gangs getting a foothold in the first place by raising awareness and educating people about the risks and the signs it is happening.
Work carried out during the week included:
- The county’s 1CLIC initiative, which provides help to the people most in need, showing them that support is available to turn away from drugs, sent staff to custody suites to make visits to those who could be diverted away from crime.
- There were leaflet drops asking for community intelligence in a number of neighbourhoods.
- A pop-up stall at Carlisle railway station promoted the 1CLIC scheme and how to get support as well as highlighting the issue of county lines.
- A similar pop-up took place at Southwaite services.
- Advice on looking for the signs of county lines was given to more than 40 businesses, including bed-and-breakfast establishments, fast food outlets and vape shops.
Det Insp Johnson added: “County lines can bring misery to communities, in the form of drug dealing and serious violence.
“That is why we work to catch those involved, disrupt these networks and stop organised crime groups making inroads in the first place to prevent people being drawn in.
“Our communities are crucial in helping us tackle crime in their streets – so we would urge anyone with any information to come forward.”
The operation took place on Wednesday and Thursday last week.
What are the signs someone – including a young person or child - has become mixed up in county lines?
These could include:
- Travelling alone, frequently, particularly in school hours or late at night.
- Looking lost or in unfamiliar surroundings.
- Appearing anxious, frightened, angry or displaying other behaviour that make you worried about them.
- Being in possession of more than one phone.
- Carrying lots of cash.
- Unexplained new items – including expensive trainers, mobile phones, jewellery or clothes.
- Periods of going missing.
Do you have information that can help us?
Anyone with information 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.