By Nick Griffiths Crime Reporter

Last updated at 16:09, Friday, 12 October 2012

Twelve people have been arrested in an operation targeting drug abuse in Cumbria.

The arrests were made after police acted following fears from residents in Whitehaven and Egremont.

Suspects were stopped and searched and house raids were carried out. The force seized substances suspected to be cannabis, amphetamine and valium.

Police say the operation, carried out in the last five days, sends “a clear message” to those using or dealing.

The raids were carried out at houses on streets including Fleswick Avenue and White School Close in Whitehaven.

Officers also executed a search warrant at a house in Egremont town centre.

The crackdown was carried out by officers from the Copeland neighbourhood policing team, which covers an area including the two towns.

Sergeant Scott Adams ran the crackdown. He told the News & Star: “This is the latest operation to combat the misuse of drugs within the Copeland area.

“Our communities tell us that dealing with drug misuse is their number one priority – and we will use every tactic available to us to address this problem.

“This sends a clear message that the misuse of drugs will not be tolerated.”

Those arrested were a mixture of men and women, aged between 18 and 45. They were all from the Whitehaven and Egremont areas.

Eleven were arrested on suspicion of possession of controlled drugs. The other, a man, was held for alleged cultivation of cannabis following the raid at White School Close.

All were bailed and must return to Workington police station later this month

Anyone with information about drug abuse or dealing can call police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.

First published at 16:02, Friday, 12 October 2012
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk