Police have seized suspected drugs, weapons and made dozens of arrests in Lancaster and across Lancashire as part of their fight against ketamine dealing.
Operation Shore saw a week of action led to forced entries, drug seizures, and the arrest of suspected dealers in a clear message that this criminality will not be tolerated.
This policing activity resulted in 19 warrants being executed across Lancaster, Blackpool, Fleetwood, Burnley, Pendle, Rossendale, Blackburn with Darwen, Hyndburn, Preston, Skelmersdale, and Chorley.
Quantities of suspected Class A, suspected Class B, and suspected Class C drugs were seized, as well as large quantities of as-yet unidentified white powder.
32 arrests were made against people from the ages of 15 to 55, and more than £26,900 cash was seized.
Weapons including machetes, zombie knives, air weapons, and other bladed weapons seized.
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Det Ch Supt Derry Crorken, who is spearheading Operation Shore, said: “I want to thank everyone who has given information about ketamine supply in their area. This really does make a difference. What you’ve given us is already helping our officers build a better picture of illegal ketamine supply across Lancashire.
“I hope that my officers’ actions during our intensification week show you that we will act on intelligence, using it to disrupt supply, seize illegal ketamine, and make arrests.
“My ask is for everyone with any information – however small and insignificant it might seem – to share it. You can give it to Lancashire Police, or anonymously to Crimestoppers. This is the best way you can help us continue to stop the dealers exploiting our children and young people for profit.
“Together, we can make a real dent in the activities of organised criminals profiting from this dangerous drug, whilst stopping more youngsters from damaging their health and their futures.”
Prior to this week of action, there were 294 ketamine-related offences recorded during the past three years in Lancashire, with year-on-year increases. However, the force believes the issue to be under-reported and that is it is appealing for information from the public.
Using funding from Lancashire Police and Crime Commissioner Clive Grunshaw, Operation Shore seeks to disrupt supply of the drug. Officers are also using the campaign to educate children and young people – as well as their parents, guardians, and associated professionals such as teachers – about the risks of using ketamine.
Police and Crime Commissioner for Lancashire Clive Grunshaw said: “Ketamine destroys lives and damages futures.
‘’Its devastating health impacts are well known, so it is encouraging to see early results from the expansion of Operation Shore across Lancashire, taking enforcement action against the criminal gangs and dealers who bring ketamine and other harmful substances into our communities.
"I urge anyone with concerns to come forward, including anonymously through Crimestoppers, as we continue working to disrupt the supply chains that put this drug on our streets.
‘’By working together across policing, health, education and partner organisations, we can make Lancashire safer and, ultimately, save lives.”
Lancashire Constabulary is calling on members of the public to continue to provide information to help reduce the supply and sale of illegal ketamine in the county. Call 101, report it online, or anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
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