Drugs raids funded by criminal money

Warrants were carried out at 10 addresses across Cumbria

A series of drugs raids have been carried out across the county, funded by money seized from criminals.

Cumbria Police led the co-ordinated operation, which targeted areas where dealers were said to be "causing absolute misery".

David Allen, Cumbria's Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner, said he had seen communities "completely blighted" when dealers took them over and funded four days of action, adding: "What's one of the best uses of criminal money? Using it to take more criminals out."

Eight people were arrested and 10 warrants were carried out at addresses across Cumbria, with drugs including cocaine and cannabis uncovered. Those arrested were released under investigation.

Allen, Labour, said when he was standing for election, people told him drug dealers were "causing absolute misery" in their neighbourhoods.

"People might be surprised that, you know, leafy Lake District, sunny Cumbria's got a drug problem - [it is] exactly the same as everywhere else.

"It's people at the end of the day - where there is people, you will have drugs. Our job is to make sure that it is contained and it is dealt with.

"I have seen communities completely blighted when drug dealers take them over."

Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner Dave Allen funded the drugs raids though the force's property fund

Michelle Scrogham, Labour MP for Barrow and Furness, joined the convoy of police vehicles for the dawn raids in and around the town last week.

"It takes a huge amount of work, effort and money to actually bring these teams together," she said.

"It's good to see that work in action today taking drug dealers off our streets."

Raids were also carried out in areas including Penrith, Kendal, Workington and Carlisle.

Det Insp Dave Howard, of Cumbria Police, encouraged communities to come forward with information about suspected drug dealing operations.

"It does happen in Cumbria, we have a strong intelligence footprint from the community to say it's happening," he said.

"We welcome the information from the community to help us conduct these days of action."

A further series of raids is expected to be carried out next year.