North West Police Forces unite to tackle drug supply in dawn raids around Barrow

Four people have been arrested this morning in Cumbria (Tuesday 6 September) following a series of simultaneous dawn raids that have taken place across the North West.

At 7.15am this morning, 34 officers from Cumbria’s Targeting Unit and Tactical Support Group swooped on premises on Sloop Street, St Andrews Street, Harrison Street and Hood Street in Barrow. At the same time, colleagues from other forces conducted simultaneous raids on addresses in Preston, Blackburn and Merseyside.

Four Barrow men, two aged 26 and two aged 29, have been arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to supply class A and class B controlled drugs. They are in police custody and are due to be interviewed later today.

Detective Chief Inspector Tim Leeson, of Lancashire Constabulary’s Serious and Organised Crime Unit, who is heading Operation Oak, said: “This morning’s raids are part of an ongoing investigation into the activities of a suspected organised crime group and a drugs supply chain that has seen heroin and cocaine being moved across, and sold in, Lancashire, Cumbria and Merseyside.”

Detective Chief Inspector Mike Forrester from Cumbria Constabulary, said: “We are committed to ridding our communities of illegal drugs and sending out a strong message to criminals who think they can cross over counties borders to commit crime.

“We work closely with colleagues in other forces and this Operation is an example of what happens when we unite. We now have four men in police custody, helping us with our enquiries.

“The supply, production and use of drugs can ruin individual’s lives, pull families apart and cause huge damage to communities.

“It is hugely important that people within our communities keep telling us about those involved in drugs. If you know or suspect someone of drug dealing then please give us the information and we will do the rest. The police will only carry on successfully tackling drugs crime if we have the support of our communities.”

Anyone with information or who wants to speak to their local police officer about drug supply should contact 0845 33 00 247.