Police and prison staff seized money and arrested four Leeds men as they contucted a joint stop search operation outside HMP Haverigg yesterday (Tuesday, 9 March).
Officers from Cumbria Police were joined by HMPS North West Search Team to undertake an intelligence led operation as part of West Cumbria's Springtime crime crackdown - Op Landau. They stopped and searched vehicles outside the prison to disrupt any criminal activity around the site and target drug supply in the area. During the operation officers stopped a red Ford Focus containing five men and conducted a search using a specially trained police search dog during which they seized a small amount of cannabis, £2000 cash, six mobile phones and a laptop.
The occupants, two 31-year-olds and two others aged 29 and 33, were all arrested on suspicion of money laundering and have been bailed to return to Workington Police Station on 29 April.
One of the 31-year-olds and another occupant, a man from Croxteth, were issued with cautions for the possession of a class C controlled drug.
Detective Inspector Adrian Johnson, said: "We are committed to tackling crime in West Cumbria, targeting offenders and making life hard for criminals. This joint operation with the prison was designed to send a strong message to the criminal fraternity that drug trafficking and offending will not be tolerated on the streets of West Cumbria or indeed around the prison. Throughout the next month we will be running a number of campaigns under Operation Landau to tackle all sorts of crime from ASB and road traffic offences to the supply of drugs. If anyone has any knowledge of crime in their area or would like to report any suspicious activity I would urge them to contact us on 0845 33 00 247."
The Governor of HMP Haverigg, Martin Farquhar added " We are happy with the level of support given to us by Cumbria Constabulary, and welcome the opportunity to work in partnership for mutual benefit. Such exercises can only benefit the local community and Cumbria in general".
To find out more about policing in your area or to get involved through attending your nearest Safer, Stronger Commmunity Meeting, log on to www.cumbria.police.uk or pop along to your local police station.