Officers and PCSOs from Eden’s Neighbourhood Policing Team have been recognised for their work as part of Operation Apache – a dedicated operation targeting drug supply in the Penrith area.
Members of the team were presented with recognition awards by the area Commander, Chief Superintendent Dave Pattinson this week for their relentless approach to tackling drug supply in the area.
As part of Operation Apache, the team have so far made 72 arrests, gathered over 1000 intelligence reports and conducted 15 misuse of drugs act warrants.
This work has resulted in 11 charges for drug supply offences, with a number of active investigations still ongoing.
As well as the criminal investigations, the team have also put in place complex safeguarding strategies to protect vulnerable people and are actively working with young children in the area who are at risk, or have been exploited, into dealing drugs.
Inspector Mo Bibby, Eden NPT said: “I’m really proud of the hard work the team have put in since the start of this operation and it’s great that our collective work has been recognised by the force – but the work isn’t over yet! I am grateful for the leadership shown by Eden's former neighbourhood Sergeant Martyn Irving who’s drive and determination to tackle these neighbourhood issues have resulted in the convictions and sentencing of those that cause most harm in our communities.
“Operation Apache continues as does our contempt for drug dealing within our communities here in Penrith.
“Through our community surveys you often raised drug supply activity as a key concern, and rightly so, and we will continue to address this by taking a robust approach against those deal drugs and exploit vulnerable people.
“Please continue to report activity and intelligence to us – we rely on this information to help us continue to target offenders in operations such as this.”
Chief Superintendent Dave Pattinson, Westmorland and Furness BCU Commander, said: “"I would like to thank the officers and PCSOs who took part in Operation Apache. Their commitment, tireless efforts, and determined focus on tackling drug supply in Penrith have been truly commendable.
“This has been a hugely disruptive operation, which has seen offenders prosecuted and harmful drugs taken off our streets and has undoubtedly contributed to Penrith being a safer place to live, work and visit.”
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