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.
Related story:
LISTEN: Mum speaks out on dangers of ketamine after son's tragic death
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.
Lancaster University launches new £2million nuclear facility control room simulator
Police operation catches speeding motorists on Lancaster road
PHOTOS: More than £80,000 raised as Moonlight Walk turns ruby red for hospice's 40th birthday
LISTEN and PHOTOS: Morecambe fundraiser, 95, given Local Hero Award by new mayor at village festival
Convoy to pass through Lancaster for ‘Last Ride Home’ in memory of Hairy Biker
Crews tackle camper van blaze on M6 near Lancaster
Kids as young as 10 involved in anti-social behaviour in Lancaster city centre
Morecambe allotment ‘sanctuary’ opens to help with wellbeing of veterans
Luxury house prize draw raises £4.5m towards Eden Project Morecambe
Champion of Parkinson's sport and Morecambe FC receives MBE
Frontierland developer search "in its final stages"
Tour de France and Eden Project among priorities as Lancaster City Council sets out two-year vision
Crews called to fire at Midland Hotel in Morecambe
Morecambe man charged with house burglary and possession of knife in public
City set for busy weekend with Pride, Lancaster Day, music festival and World Cup kick-off
International Market to return to Morecambe Promenade
Up to 93 new homes near Lancaster recommended for green light despite hundreds of objections
Public invited to official launch of revamped Lancaster tennis courts
Plans to revamp former Lancaster antiques centre recommended for green light
Parents in Lancaster and Morecambe warned of ‘potential dangers’ after unsafe squishy toys seized
