Arrests for offences as serious as possession of Class A drugs with intent to supply were made by officers across the county as part of the latest Operation Merlin week of action (11-14 December).
The week of action saw 20 arrests made in all areas of the county – including 11 arrests in a single day on Tuesday (12 Dec).
On Monday officers were in the Penrith and Kendal areas. They carried out a warrant in Rydal Road in Kendal before going on to make two arrests of people wanted on suspicion of breach of bail and a further arrest on suspicion of criminal damage.
On Tuesday officers were primarily in the Furness area, where nine arrests were made.
Two men were arrested on suspicion of possession with intent to supply Class A drugs.
Amin Akhoondi, 20, of Pymgate Drive, Cheadle, was charged with possession with intent to supply a Class A drug, being concerned in the supply of heroin and being concerned in the supply of crack cocaine.
A 17-year-old from the Manchester area was charged with two counts of possession with intent to supply a Class A drug, being concerned in the supply of heroin and being concerned in the supply of crack cocaine.
Both men were charged without bail pending their appearance before Barrow Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday (13 Dec).
A third man was arrested on suspicion of importation of cannabis and subsequently released under investigation.
Further arrests included two men on suspicion of breach of bail and another for breaching a court order. Three more were arrested on suspicion of failure to attend court.
Officers elsewhere in the county who were also working on the operation made further arrests.
A man was arrested in Ulverston on suspicion of malicious communications relating to a domestic abuse investigation. Travis Watson, 36, of Hart Street in Ulverston was subsequently charged with sending a communication of an indecent or offensive nature and sending a threatening communication. Watson is due to appear at Barrow Magistrates’ Court on 27 December 2023.
An 11th arrest was made in Workington as part of a burglary investigation. This man was subsequently reported for possession of cocaine.
On Wednesday officers in West Cumbria made two arrests – both with regards drug supply.
Officers conducted a warrant at an address in Birks Road in Cleator Moor, arresting Simon Gilmour, 47, of Birks Road, Cleator Moor, at the address. Gilmour has since been charged with possession with intent to supply a Class A drug. He is due to appear at Workington Magistrates’ Court on 15 December 2023.
Officers conducted a second warrant in Buttermere Road in Maryport and arrested a 52-year-old man on suspicion of possession with intent to supply cannabis. He has since been released under investigation whilst officers continue with their enquiries.
On Thursday officers made four arrests including for drug supply offences.
A 33-year-old woman was arrested in the Carlisle area yesterday morning on suspicion of supply of Class A and Class B drugs and being concerned with the importation of Class C drugs. She has been released under investigation whilst officers continue with their enquiries.
Officers arrested a 29-year-old man yesterday morning in Carlisle on suspicion of shoplifting offences. Ryan Ferguson of Weardale Road in Carlisle was charged with five counts of theft from shops. He was due to appear at Carlisle Magistrates’ Court today (15 December).
Officers executed a warrant in Waldgrave Road in Carlisle following intelligence that a cannabis farm may be being operated at the property. Officers recovered £60,000 worth of cannabis plants across four rooms of the property. Dang Thai Doan, 49, of no fixed address has been charged with production of cannabis and is due to appear at Carlisle Magistrates’ Court today (15 December).
A fourth man was arrested in Carlisle for recall to prison.
Chief Inspector Steve Hunter said: “Operation Merlin continues to bring results, bringing into custody serious offenders and those who think they can avoid justice.
“Tuesday’s 11 arrests was the most successful Operation Merlin we have seen so far and included the arrest of individuals on suspicion of supplying Class A drugs in our communities.
“Our message continues to be that our officers will be targeting wanted men and women and those involved in serious criminality.
“If you are wanted by the police or courts – hand yourself in today before our officers come to your door.”
Operation Merlin has resulted in 91 arrests across 23 days of activity in 2023. The action taken by officers is often the result of intelligence received by the public.
Ch Insp Hunter said: “Much of the action taken is influenced by reports we receive from the public.
“If you see criminality in your community, report it today so our officers and take action and get criminals off your street.”
If you have information regarding criminality in your area, you can report online at www.cumbria.police.uk/reportit
You can also phone on 101.
Alternatively you can contact Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.
Always call 999 in an emergency or when a crime is in progress.
