A HUGE Cumbria Police drugs investigation has today brought the latest of more than 30 criminals to justice.

Officers from across the county smashed a "county lines" drugs-ring that peddled heroin and crack cocaine. The criminals involved have now collectively received jail terms of more than 100 years.

Princewill Enaruba, 26, is the 34th person to face justice as a result of Operation Horizon. 

The probe reached its climax as police carried out more than 20 dawn raids on properties linked to suspects in 2019. The investigation was focused on drugs supply in Barrow.

But officers from Cumbria Police's north, south and west drug units took part in the multi-agency operation. 

They identified and targeted several so-called 'county lines' – a crime network trafficking drugs through the use of dedicated mobile phone lines being used by the offenders involved. 

Enaruba, of Signals Drive, Coventry was among those charged. He admitted conspiring to supply class A drugs.

After hearing about his role in the drugs operation, Preston Crown Court judge Graham Knowles QC jailed him for nine years and six months.

“The sentencing of Enaruba today is the latest result from Operation Horizon – an operation that led to more than 34 prison sentences and dismantled a number of county lines drugs rings," said Detective Inspector Patrick McDonnell, the senior investigating officer.

“This was one of the most significant and resource-intensive drugs operation carried out by Cumbria and led to prison sentences reaching a total of more than a century in years. The major evidence-gathering element of the operation involved the hard work of a number of specialist and covert units from within Cumbria, with invaluable support from the North West Regional Organised Crime Unit.

"The arrest stage of the enquiry involved multiple police forces and specialist departments in Cumbria Constabulary. Since the arrest element, further work from other partner agencies has been carried out.

“It was a massive undertaking – but it is just one example of the work going on day-in, day-out in Cumbria to tackle county lines drugs offending and protect the people exploited through this particularly damaging type of criminality. Drugs crime negatively affects entire communities; from feeding addiction to fuelling anti-social behaviour and petty crimes. It causes misery to friends, family and neighbours alike.

"We will continue to pursue those responsible and seek to hold them accountable for their actions.”

This operation also saw Cumbria Constabulary work extensively with local charities and partners, with support services provided to vulnerable people in Barrow and the Egerton Court area.

DI McDonnell added: “We would like to take this opportunity to pass on a message to drug users and their families. There is help out there to deal with the pressures of life that can reduce the risk of succumbing to drug use and addiction.

"Becoming and remaining a drug addict creates huge issues for yourself and your wider friends and family as well as leaving you vulnerable to being exploited by crime groups.

"Seek assistance from authorities and organisations - or ask a friend or family member to do so on your behalf.

“The overall message is that Cumbria Police will relentlessly target and disrupt those involved in exploitative drug supply.

“We appeal to all of the community to help us in this aim.”

To access support services, visit the Cumbria Together website http://orlo.uk/eNBY6