Barrow police have taken part in a crackdown on illegal drug use and supply in the town centre this weekend as part of Cumbria Constabulary’s confidence campaign.
Barrow CID’s drug squad, supported by British Transport Police and Barrow Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnership (CDRP), organised an operation to combat illegal drug use in Barrow-in-Furness after residents raised concerns about drugs in the town.
On Saturday 20 February, officers along with BTP officers and passive drugs dogs conducted surprise visits to pubs and clubs in the area to help identify anyone who was carrying illegal substances. During the course of the evening, a dozen premises were visited and four people were arrested after small quantities of cannabis and what is believed to be cocaine were seized. A 17 year old male and an 18 year old male, both from Barrow, were arrested on suspicion of possessing a controlled drug. Another local man in his twenties was arrested by BTP on suspicion of possessing class A drugs. All were put on bail pending further enquiries.
A number of warrants were also conducted at premises on Gloucester Street and Keys Street. A quantity of heroin was recovered which led to the arrest of a 30 year old man from Barrow. He has also been placed on police bail until 19 February while enquiries continue.
Detective Sergeant Mike Brown from Barrow CID said: “This operation was organised in direct response to community concerns and to raise awareness of what we do all year round to combat drug-related crime in Barrow.
“We receive a great deal of intelligence from the community about illegal drugs in Barrow so it is obvious that it’s not just police that want to rid the streets of drugs, local residents won’t stand for it either. A lot of work goes on behind the scenes when we receive information from the community in order to build up clear pictures of the main offenders and networks in the area so we are able to take positive action through initiatives like this.
“Put simply, Illegal drugs ruin lives and we are dedicated to doing all we can to protect our communities and ridding our streets of drugs. Dedicated teams of officer’s work in our drugs teams across the county to keep a watchful eye on those we suspect to be offenders so that we can gain evidence and intervene at an early stage to prevent drugs from getting onto our streets.
“It’s really important that our communities keep telling us about those who are involved in drugs. Without this information, we would not be able to continue to bring the suppliers of drugs to justice, seize their assets and take away their freedom.
If you know or suspect someone of drug dealing then please pick up the phone or tell us what you know, and we will do the rest.”
Sergeant Garry Ashbridge of British Transport Police said: “We are pleased to be working with our colleagues in Cumbria to address the use and supply of illegal drugs.
“There is no doubt that illegal drugs have a negative effect on local communities and we are committed to taking action against those who seek to profit from criminal activity.
“As well as targeting licensed premises, we were also working at Barrow Rail Station to detect those bringing drugs into the town and deter others from carrying out anti-social or criminal behaviour.”
If you have any information about illegal drugs use or supply, please speak to your local police officer or call Cumbria police on 0845 33 00 247. To provide information anonymously, please call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
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