20 Arrested, £15,000 Cash and Weapons Seized in Major Drug Raids Across Cumbria

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Police have arrested 20 people and seized more than £15,000 in cash during a series of drug raids carried out across Cumbria.

The operation was conducted by Cumbria Constabulary as part of a week-long crackdown targeting county lines drug networks operating in the region. Officers executed 12 search warrants during the operation, which aimed to disrupt organised drug trafficking and protect vulnerable people from exploitation.

During the raids, police seized suspected cocaine, cannabis, ketamine and MDMA, along with weapons and more than £15,000 in cash. Officers also recovered a crossbow, stun gun, three vehicles and 26 mobile phones, believed to be linked to criminal activity.

In one raid in Burton in Kendal, officers recovered cocaine, over £3,300 in cash and counterfeit cigarettes, leading to two arrests. Another operation in Penrith resulted in two more arrests and the seizure of cocaine and cash.

Meanwhile, police in Barrow seized suspected cannabis, two air pistols and a pitbull dog, with a man arrested at the scene. In Carlisle, officers detained another suspect after finding cannabis, cocaine, ketamine and cash inside a property.

Authorities estimate that cocaine worth around £75,000 was taken off the streets during the week-long operation.

Detective Inspector Sam Johnson said tackling county lines drug crime remains a key priority for police, adding that such operations are designed to disrupt organised crime groups and prevent vulnerable people, including children, from being exploited by drug networks.

Police also carried out prevention activities during the crackdown, including school visits and welfare checks on individuals who may be at risk of being drawn into drug-related crime.

Authorities say they will continue targeting organised drug networks and sending a clear message that drug dealing will not be tolerated in Cumbria.