A FURTHER three people have been charged as part of the major crackdown on drugs in Barrow.

This brings the total number of people to 20, who have been charged allegedly for drug related offences following Cumbria Police’s Operation Horizon.

This large-scale operation was carried out across Barrow, Coventry and London in response to the “significantly higher" number of drug deaths in Barrow at the end of 2017 and the start of 2018.

Throughout this week Cumbria Police have also made 29 arrests.

The latest to be charged are:

·        Amy Jones, aged 29, of Anson Street, Barrow, charged with supplying a Class A drug namely crack cocaine. She is due to appear at Barrow Magistrates Court today. 

·        Daniel Gold, aged 29, of Ship Street, Barrow, charged with supplying Class A drugs. He has been bailed and is due to appear at Barrow Magistrates Court on the 16 January 2019.

·        Thomas Spencer, aged 31, of Brathay Crescent, Barrow, charged with supplying Class A drugs. He has been bailed and is due to appear at Barrow Magistrates Court on the 16 January 2019.

Of those reported arrested yesterday:

·        A 36-year-old man from Barrow, was arrested on suspicion of offering to supply Class A drugs. He has been bailed until Monday 14 January. 

·        A 35-year-old woman from Barrow, was arrested on suspicion supplying Class A drugs namely heroin. She has been bailed until Monday 14 January.

·        A 17-year-old male, was arrested in London, on suspicion of conspiracy to supply Class A drugs. He remains in police custody.

Barrow Police Inspector Jim Bailey said:

“There has been a lot of publicity around these events and all the officers and partners involved in this operation have been doing a fantastic job.

“However, this type of unseen and complex police and partner work takes place every day and I can assure you it will continue to until we eradicate the demand for drugs in the county.

“There is help for individuals negatively affected by drug-use, we need to support those who unfortunately find themselves addicted to help them get off drugs. We work closely with The Well, Unity, CADAS, Women’s Community Matters, the local council and others who can all provide people with help, support and guidance.

“I would urge anyone who finds themselves addicted to illegal substances to access these services and to get the support they need. If there is no demand for drugs here then there would be no market for organised crime gangs.

“I would also urge anyone in the community who sees or hears anything suspicious to report it police. We will listen, we will take you seriously and we will investigate in order to protect the local community.”