POLICE in west Cumbria have made a number of arrests this week following a proactive operation targeting drug supply across the area.

Officers and staff from both uniform and CID departments focused on criminals who target vulnerable people in the community.

A 33-year-old man from Workington was arrested on suspicion of possession with intent to supply Class B drugs, namely cannabis. He has been bailed to October 17.

A 50-year-old man from Workington was arrested on suspicion of money laundering and possession of Class B drugs. He has been bailed until September 30.

An 18-year-old man from Maryport has been arrested on suspicion of possession with intent to supply Class B drugs, namely cannabis. He has been bailed to October 15.

<strong>Arrests made</strong>

Detective Inspector Dan St Quintin, West Cumbria CID, said: "We have conducted ten warrants across west Cumbria following information supplied by members of the community who have grown tired of crime being committed in the area that they live and work.

"Drugs are a devastating and expensive habit. Those addicted and desperate for their next fix often commit crime in the nearby area of suppliers in order to pay for more drugs.

"This includes burglaries and thefts from law-abiding people who have the misfortune of living near such people.

"Operations such as this show how seriously we take the issue of drug supply within west Cumbria and sends out a clear message to suppliers that their business will not be tolerated in west Cumbria.

"We will continue to conduct operations such as this in order to keep our communities safe from the effects of drug supply."

'Strong message'

Peter McCall, Cumbria police and crime commissioner, said: "I was able to experience first-hand when I accompanied officers on Tuesday the comprehensive community effort in removing drugs and their supply from our streets.

"It is really important the community continue to prove information about issues in their locality and this operation shows the police action.

"This operation sends a strong message to criminals that we will not tolerate drug crime in Cumbria, action will be taken and we will keep Cumbria safe."

Anyone with information on suspicious activity in their area can contact police on 101 or call the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.