FOUR people were arrested as drug squad cops carry out raids across south Cumbria.

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They targeted homes in Broad Close and Raglan Court, Barrow, as part of a crackdown on suspected narcotics supply.

Following a video conference briefing between Barrow and Kendal police stations squads across south Cumbria set out to raid suspected properties.

CID and drug squad officers joined uni-formed patrols, police community support bobbies and the proactive support group to execute four warrants in the south of the county.

The first team headed out just after 8am yesterday to Broad Close, Barrow.

The Ormsgill street had a rude awakening as a team of officers descended on one house and smashed open the door with a battering ram.

A 38-year-old male and a 30-year-old female were arrested and quizzed by police on suspicion of possession with intent to supply controlled substances.

A further raid took place in Raglan Court, Barrow, just after 9.30am.

Shocked parents, who were taking their children to school, and residents near the scene spoke of their relief that something was being done in their community.

Two people were quizzed at the Raglan Court address but no further action taken.

Local bobbies then posted letters through nearby homes of both locations explaining why police action had been taken.

It said: “Cumbria Police targets all crime and anti-social behaviour.

“As you will be aware we carried out a drugs warrant on Broad Close/Raglan Court today.

“Please remember: Crime and anti-social behaviour ruins people’s lives, these problems can touch any families, the health and social consequences can be very serious and a large amount of crime is drug related.

“The problems of crime and anti-social behaviour can only be tackled by the whole community working together.”

“Cumbria police do not wish to cause any unnecessary concerns and you should not be fearful about living in your area. It is important you know that we take criminal activity very seriously.

“We are committed to keep a stronger, safer community.”

In Kendal search warrants were executed at an address on Highgate and a 44-year-old male and an 18-year-old female arrested on suspicion of drugs offences. A further home on Hallgarth was also raided but no arrests made.

Detective Sergeant John Dilks, of Barrow CID, said: “This was a proactive warrant based on intelligence, and we wish to thank the public for their support.

“We will continue to target addresses where we believe illegal drug activity is taking place, in order to send out a strong message that drugs will not be tolerated on the streets of Barrow and south Cumbria.”