An operation targeting drugs in the Penrith area has seen 16 people arrested for drugs and weapon offences.
Operation Apache was launched in late 2024 to target and disrupt the supply of controlled drugs within the Penrith area – mainly cocaine and cannabis.
Eden Neighbourhood Policing Team officers act upon community intelligence and have executed several warrants and over 150 stop searches as part of the operation.
To date, results from Op Apache include:
- Ten misuse of drugs act warrants executed
- 16 people arrested for drug supply, drugs possession or weapon possession offences
- Over 150 stop searches conducted
- Ten individual charges against individuals for drugs supply, drugs possession and weapons offences including :
- Callum Russel, aged 23, of Rowcliffe Lane, Penrith was charged with drugs and weapons offences.
- Ronald Guy-Gregg, aged 30 of Castle Terrace, Penrith was also charged with drugs supply offences. He was ordered to complete 200 hours of community service and pay fines of almost £200.
- Kyle Chaloner, aged 46 of Elm Terrace, Penrith was charged with four drugs offences and a weapons offence. He appeared in court on Monday 10 February and was remanded until a further Crown Court hearing in March.
On Friday February 7, officers held a day of action where two early morning misuse of drugs act warrants were executed at addresses in Penrith.
The warrants were funded by the Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner, David Allen as part of the Drugs Fund.
Sergeant Martyn Irving, of Eden NPT said: “Operation Apache is all about reducing the impact that drugs have in our communities here in Penrith.
“Our team work all year round to disrupt drug supply and Op Apache has already made a significant dent in the supply chain within Penrith.
“Through this operation we are using enforcement to target suspects and make Penrith a hostile environment for those who think it is acceptable to deal drugs and commit crime.
“We have contempt for criminality, and it has no place in our communities here in Eden.”
As well as targeting people responsible, it is also a priority for the team to ensure safeguarding is in place for those who are the most vulnerable and at risk of potential exploitation.
There have also been leaflet drops asking for community intelligence in a number of locations across Penrith where warrants and arrest enquiries have taken place.
Inspector Mo Bibby, of Eden NPT, said: “We regularly liaise with our internal departments including our child centred policing team and external partner agencies in child safeguarding, to ensure a network of support is in place around young people being exploited to supply drugs.
“Drug dealing is a blight in our communities and significantly contributes to immense suffering to some of the most vulnerable people in society and we are committed to rooting it out.
“However, we are not complacent and there is still work to do. We will be relentless in targeting those responsible for the supply of drugs within our communities.
“The information we receive from you is crucial in helping us tackle crime in your streets. If you witness drug supply activity or have information, please report this to us.”
Cumbria’s Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner David Allen said: “Drugs cause devastation to families and communities so it is imperative that we tackle the supply head on.
“The funding provided by my office will help target and tackle the individuals that deal in drugs in Cumbria.
“Drug supply will never be tolerated here in Cumbria and the message is clear to anyone looking to supply in the county: you will be caught and face the consequences.
“I’m incredibly pleased to see the zero-tolerance approach being taken by Cumbria Constabulary and would encourage anyone that knows of or suspects drug dealing in their area to report it.”
