Seven arrests were made and drugs seized following a series of police dawn raids across Cumbria in an operation targeting the sale of ketamine.
Officers carried out early morning action at eight properties in Penrith, Carlisle, Whitehaven and Kendal as part of the latest drugs day of action funded by the county’s Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner, David Allen.
The funding was taken from a pot of money already recovered from previous drugs enforcement to further target those suspected of supplying drugs.
The day got underway while it was still dark with an early morning briefing.
Officers were deployed and searches were carried out, with some doors smashed in or cut open with a chainsaw to catch suspects unaware.
Operation Abraham follows growing concerns over use of ketamine.
The drug can cause kidney and bladder damage, incontinence and can have a negative impact on mental health. Younger people are among those putting themselves at risk.
As well as arrests and enforcement action, Operation Abraham has also seen officers carry out leaflet drops seeking intelligence and provide education in schools.
Detective Inspector Dave Howard led the operation.
He said: “Our action should send a message out to those dealing drugs that we are working all the time to stop them and to protect those that their illegal trade harms.
“The commissioner’s funding allowed us to take targeted action across our county to address this emerging problem.
“But the work does not stop here – our officers continue to target those involved in this harmful industry.
“This operation goes wider than the action here. We have officers, alongside partners, going into schools to educate young people about drugs and the dangers they pose.”
Arrests were made for suspected offences ranging from possession of drugs with intent to supply to driving offences, as officers uncovered other suspected crimes along the way.
As well as ketamine, cocaine, cannabis, MDMA and suspected illicit pharmaceuticals were also seized, along with cash, a TAG Heuer watch and an e-bike valued at £4,000.
Most of those arrested were released under investigation while enquiries continue. One was given an out-of-court disposal.
Det Insp Howard added: “Using ketamine can seriously harm your health – and people, especially young people and teenagers. may be using it without understanding the consequences.
“Part of the work carried out here included school inputs reaching nearly 400 students during the course of the week leading up to the day of action.
“The county’s 1CLIC initiative provides help to the people most in need, showing them that support is available to turn away from drugs and those working with this initiative again carried out interventions.
“Cumbria Police are working all the time to stop the harm that drugs cause in our communities – but we can’t do this without the information provided by you.
“Help us stop the harm that this drug causes. We urge anyone who has information about ketamine dealing to share that with us so we can take swift and effective action.”
Cumbria’s Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner, David Allen, said: “Drugs can devastate communities, so I’m pleased to fund days of action that tackle drug dealing.
“I attended the raids in Carlisle and was incredibly impressed with how the officers dealt with the suspects and the evidence.
“The message is very clear: Cumbria is not a soft touch - if you are going to bring drugs into our communities, we are going to stop you, and you will face consequences.
“I would urge residents to continue to report any suspected drug dealing to the police on 101, or 999 in an emergency.
“Your reports help the police build evidence – you may not see action after one report, but rest assured that the police are working behind the scenes to ensure criminals are taken off our streets and stay out of our communities.
“Let’s work together to protect Cumbria.”
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.
Support for those affected by drugs use
Support is available for people affected by drugs use. They can access support that services such as Recovery Steps Cumbria can provide.
You can contact them on 01900 512300 (this covers all of Cumbria).
Interview with Jack, who is in his early twenties, who used ketamine but has undergone recovery and is now clean.
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