£360,000 seized in organised crime operation in Cumbria
This was over just three days
Police tackling suspected organised crime in Cumbria seized £360,000 in cash as well as drugs with a street value of £230,000 - in just three days.
Five arrests were made in connection with the individual seizures of money, cocaine, amphetamine and cannabis as officers continued the work that goes on all-year-round to prevent drugs getting to the streets.
The results meant 31 kilos of illegal substances were taken out of circulation, where they would potentially help fund further serious crime.
They were made as part of Operation Alliance – Cumbria Constabulary’ work to protect the public against organised crime.
The seizures also came in a week when there was an increased spotlight on suspected drugs trafficking and dealing as part of a national intensification of work around the specific issue of county lines drug trafficking and dealing.
Detective Chief Inspector Andy Myers, head of the constabulary’s serious and organised crime unit, said:
“Our officers work all-year-round to tackle suspected drug trafficking and dealing.
"This is just a snapshot of what goes on.”
County lines is a term used to describe gangs and organised networks involved in exporting drugs into other areas, using dedicated mobile phone lines.
DCI Myers added:
“We’ve had a lot of success stopping various drugs criminals and dismantling major county lines across Cumbria in recent years and work with our partners has led to people being taken out of the reach of these organised crime groups and safeguarded.
“This is what our officers do day-in, day-out to tackle and deter crime and keep people safe.”
The seizures were made as part of a number of individual enquiries carried out across the county on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday last week.
Cumbria’s Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner, Peter McCall, said:
“I am delighted to see this ongoing work by Cumbria Police to tackles serious criminals head on and most importantly taking dangerous drugs off our streets.
“This is often detailed, long and resource intensive work which takes time and most importantly good intelligence but it is dealing with the most dangerous criminals who exploit and abuse our communities.
“The results published here are a clear message to anyone who thinks they can come and break the law in Cumbria, the police will pursue you and you will be brought to justice.