Cumbria Police Crack Down on Drug Networks in Major County Raids

CUMBRIA, UK — Cumbria Police have launched a powerful drug supply crackdown across the county, arresting dozens and seizing hundreds of thousands of pounds in suspected criminal cash. The coordinated operations — including Operation Apache and Operation Alliance — mark one of the largest anti-drug enforcement drives in Cumbria’s recent history.

The raids, part of the force’s long-term campaign to dismantle county lines drug operations and disrupt organised crime, have sent a strong message: there is no safe haven for drug dealers in Cumbria.

Major Arrests and Seizures

Over recent weeks, police executed a series of Misuse of Drugs Act warrants at addresses in Carlisle, Barrow, Whitehaven, Millom, and Kendal.
The results have been significant:

• 72 arrests under Operation Apache.

• Multiple search warrants leading to large drug discoveries.

• Seizures of cocaine, heroin, cannabis, ketamine, pregabalin, and other harmful substances.

• Recovery of over £500,000 in cash, believed to be profits from drug supply networks.

• Confiscation of weapons, vehicles, and mobile phones linked to organised gangs.

Chief Superintendent Mark Pannone said the results “reflect months of intelligence gathering and coordination between specialist teams across the county.”

“This operation shows our absolute determination to disrupt criminal networks that cause harm to our communities,” he added. “Every arrest and seizure weakens the infrastructure of organised drug crime in Cumbria.”

Intelligence-Led Policing

The recent operation was driven by an intelligence-led approach, combining data analysis, surveillance, and community reporting.

Specialist teams — including the Serious Organised Crime Unit, Neighbourhood Policing, Dog Sections, and Operational Support — worked in tandem to ensure swift, targeted interventions.

Officers focused on known hotspots for drug supply and anti-social behaviour, aligning efforts with initiatives such as Operation Enhance Cumbria Police to improve community safety and visibility across the county.

Protecting Vulnerable Communities

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Cumbria Police’s crackdown isn’t just about enforcement — it’s about protection.

Officers have strengthened safeguarding efforts for young people and vulnerable adults often exploited through county lines drug operations. Outreach and prevention teams have been visiting schools, youth centres, and local forums to raise awareness and provide early intervention support.

Detective Superintendent Jenny Beattie explained,

“We know that county lines gangs prey on vulnerability. Our goal is to cut off that exploitation before it starts. These arrests remove dangerous individuals, but our community work prevents new victims from being drawn in.”

Local leaders have praised the proactive approach. Councillor David Thompson of Barrow commented,

“It’s reassuring to see police not only making arrests but also investing in prevention and community engagement. This is how lasting change happens.”

Community Reactions and Local Impact

The police presence has been particularly visible in Barrow, Carlisle, and Whitehaven, where residents have voiced support for stronger action.

Local shop owner Maria Ellis said,

“We’ve seen the damage drugs can do to families and neighbourhoods. Knowing the police are cracking down gives people confidence again.”

The operation’s ripple effect extends to economic and tourism benefits, reinforcing Cumbria’s image as a safe, welcoming county. Community partners hope that sustained enforcement, combined with outreach and awareness campaigns, will reduce long-term crime rates.

For context, these raids come amid wider safety initiatives across Cumbria, including ongoing monitoring under Cumbria speed cameras to reduce road risks and improve public confidence in local policing.

Zero-Tolerance Message from the Commissioner

Cumbria’s Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner, Peter McCall, reaffirmed a zero-tolerance stance toward drug-related crime.

“We are sending a clear message: if you deal drugs or exploit others for profit, we will find you,” he said. “Operations like Apache and Alliance show that Cumbria Police is relentless in protecting our residents.”

McCall also emphasised that tackling organised crime requires public partnership: “Intelligence from the public plays a huge role. Every call, every report helps us act faster and smarter.”

Long-Term Strategy: Dismantling Organised Crime

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The success of Operation Apache and Operation Alliance is part of Cumbria’s broader strategy to disrupt organised crime networks.

In recent years, the constabulary has seized millions of pounds worth of drugs, dismantled major supply chains, and secured lengthy sentences for ringleaders.

These efforts are supported by:

• Community intelligence — public reports feeding directly into investigations.

• Multi-agency coordination — working with national partners and social services.

• Persistent visibility — increased patrols in areas with repeat drug or violence offences.

• Rehabilitation pathways — connecting users and offenders to support services.

Public Appeal: How to Report Drug-Related Crime

Cumbria Police urge residents to remain vigilant and continue supporting the fight against drug trafficking.

If you suspect drug activity or exploitation in your area:

• ???? Call 101 — to report non-urgent information.

• ???? Dial 999 — in case of emergencies or immediate threats.

• ????️ Contact Crimestoppers (0800 555 111) — to share information anonymously.

• ???? Visit cumbria.police.uk — for updates, advice, and community safety resources.

Every piece of information — no matter how small — can help Cumbria Police arrest drug dealers, stop exploitation, and make neighbourhoods safer.

National and Regional Context

This crackdown aligns with nationwide efforts to combat county lines drug networks. Since 2023, the UK’s National Crime Agency and regional forces have executed thousands of arrests across England and Wales, targeting urban suppliers extending operations into rural areas like Cumbria.

According to Home Office figures, drug supply cases in northern England rose by 25% in the past two years, prompting rural forces to intensify operations through specialised task forces and community intelligence networks.

A Safer Cumbria Ahead

Cumbria Police say these operations are only the beginning of a sustained campaign. Future actions will continue targeting high-level offenders, dismantling their financial systems, and protecting those at risk.

Chief Superintendent Pannone concluded,

“We are committed to keeping Cumbria safe. By combining enforcement, prevention, and public support, we can ensure our communities remain resilient against organised crime.”

Residents are urged to stay engaged, share information, and support community-led safety programs that strengthen Cumbria’s resilience against drugs and exploitation.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1️⃣ What was Cumbria Police’s recent drug crackdown about?

Cumbria Police launched a countywide operation under Operation Apache and Operation Alliance to dismantle drug networks and tackle county lines drug operations. The raids led to dozens of arrests, major drug seizures, and over £500,000 in recovered cash.

2️⃣ How many arrests were made in the Cumbria Police drug raids?

According to Cumbria Police, 72 arrests were recorded during recent enforcement actions as part of Operation Apache, which targeted drug dealers and organised crime groups across Carlisle, Barrow, and Whitehaven.

3️⃣ What drugs were seized during Cumbria Police’s operation?

Police seized cocaine, heroin, cannabis, ketamine, and pregabalin, along with large sums of cash and weapons. These seizures form part of Cumbria Police’s broader drug supply crackdown 2025.

4️⃣ What is Cumbria Police’s approach to tackling county lines?

Cumbria Police use intelligence-led policing, community engagement, and safeguarding strategies to fight county lines drug trafficking. Their work aligns with initiatives like Operation Enhance Cumbria Police  to address crime and exploitation locally.

5️⃣ How can residents report suspected drug activity in Cumbria?

Residents can report suspicious drug activity by:

• Calling 101 for non-emergencies

• Dialling 999 in urgent cases

• Reporting anonymously via Crimestoppers (0800 555 111)

• Visiting the official Cumbria Police website for local support and updates

6️⃣ How does this operation relate to other Cumbria safety efforts?

This operation complements broader safety initiatives, including road safety enforcement under Cumbria speed cameras and ongoing anti-social behaviour programs. Together, these efforts aim to build a safer Cumbria for residents and visitors.

7️⃣ What is the impact of Cumbria Police’s drug operations on local communities?

Local communities report feeling safer following visible police action. The drug supply crackdown has helped reduce fear of crime, protect vulnerable people, and reinforce Cumbria’s image as a secure and welcoming region.

8️⃣ Will Cumbria Police continue similar operations in the future?

Yes. Cumbria Police confirmed that future enforcement actions will continue under long-term regional strategies to target high-level offenders, disrupt organised crime, and safeguard vulnerable residents across the county.