Over half a million pounds worth of cash was seized as Cumbria Police arrested nine in operations to crackdown on drug supply.

Seven warrants were conducted across the Carlisle on Friday, May 2, which led to nine people being arrested.

As part of Operation Huelva a quantity of cocaine, ketamine and cannabis were also recovered.

Over a thousand cannabis vapes, hundreds of edibles and a samurai sword were also seized by our officers.

The operation was funded by David Allen – Cumbria Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner as part of the Drugs Fund.

Cumbria’s Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner, David Allen said: “Time and time again, residents raise with me their concerns around drugs within our communities which is why it is, quite rightly, one of my key priorities to disrupt and end drugs supply in Cumbria.

“The Police and I have a zero-tolerance policy regarding drugs – the funding provided by my Office to the Police allows us to target and tackle the individuals that deal drugs in Cumbria.

“Drugs cause devastation to families and communities, cause untold damage and blight whole areas so I am really pleased to see the positive results of Operation Huelva.

“The message to criminals is clear: if you deal drugs or are involved in the supply of drugs in Cumbria, you will be caught and punished.

“Residents know their area better than anyone – If you want drugs out of your local area so that you and your families can live safely – if you spot something suspicious or believe there is drug-related crime in your community, please report it to the Police on 101 or 999 in an emergency.

“Together we can protect Cumbria.”

The operation was supported by educational work at schools, with over 160 pupils receiving an input from officers about drugs and exploitation.

Throughout the evening officers were in the city centre visiting pubs and clubs, engaging with customers and providing advice about spiking.

This activity supported the force’s wider work to tackle violence against women and girls.

The operation was carried out by officers and staff from various policing teams including Carlisle Police, serious and organised crime detectives, operational support officers, dog section and intelligence units.

Detective Superintendent Ian Hussey said: “Operation Huelva, is the fourth policing operation we have carried out this year to target criminals involved in illicit drugs.

“This operation targeted activities within Carlisle and aimed to disrupt, prevent and target those who supply drugs in our communities.

“The work falls under the umbrella of Cumbria Constabulary’s overarching response to serious and organised crime – Operation Alliance.

“As part of this operation officers carried out several warrants to target criminals.

“We also had officers out in the city centre visiting pubs and clubs and providing a visible presence to disrupt criminal behaviour.

“We urge anyone with information on drug activities within our community to report information to us.”

You can report information about drug dealing in the community or think someone may be a victim of drug exploitation, quickly and easily online here

Alternatively, you can contact independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111 Or call Cumbria Police on 101.