POLICE carried out a series of drug raids on homes in South Lakeland today (Thursday).

POLICE acting on tip-offs from the public carried out a series of early morning drug swoops on properties throughout South Lakeland and Furness yesterday (Thursday).

Thirteen households in Kendal, Grange-over-Sands, Ayside and Barrow were targeted by 55 officers in the largest drugs operation in the area this year.

Officers, many wearing riot gear, used battering rams to gain entry to some of the properties which ranged from a rural farm to a town centre terraced house.

Searches were carried out by plain clothes officers and six arrests were made. Those arrested face charges ranging from supplying heroin and anabolic steroids to cannabis production and possession.

The co-ordinated raids were part of Operation Arrowhead and were led from Kendal by Detective Inspector Dave Banks, who said the swoops had been very successful.

“This operation sends out a clear message to the criminal fraternity that their behaviour will not be tolerated, and tells the community that the police are acting on the information they provide. This was a significant use of police resources to target the problem.”

The day-long operation saw officers seize approximately £4,500 worth of drugs and steroids, £5,000 in cash, and drug production equipment including lighting and foil sheets.

And as a result of the heightened police activity in the Lakes area a 53-year-old man from Skipton was arrested on suspicion of robbery at the premises of Hayton andWinkley solicitors in Crescent Road, Windermere, yesterday.

The Westmorland Gazette was there and you can read all about it in the April 10 edition, and also watch a video by clicking on the 'Play Video' link.