BARROW police made multiple arrests during an operation targeting drug dealing and criminality. 

The work was part of Clear Hold Build, known locally as Happy Hopeful Hindpool. 

Konstantinos Kalpaxis, 28, of no fixed address, was charged with possession with intent to supply Class A drugs and possession of Class A drugs following a vehicle stop on Thursday 22 August. He will appear before Preston Crown Court on 25 September 2024.

The police took a video of their operations in HindpoolThe police took a video of their operations in Hindpool (Image: Cumbria Police)

A total of 25 stop searches were carried out across the week which saw cash, drugs and weapons seized.

On Thursday 22 August, NPT officers also stopped a vehicle being driven by a disqualified driver and without insurance. The vehicle was seized and the driver was reported.

The work was carried out as part of the ‘clear’ phase of the Clear Hold Build initiative, which sees police and partners working together to target criminals and rejuvenate the area.

Officers executed two early morning warrants at addresses in and around the Hindpool area. As a result of the warrants, two men were arrested. Both have been released under investigation while inquiries continue.

The police used early-morning warrants to raid homesThe police used early-morning warrants to raid homes (Image: Cumbria Police)

Five people were arrested as a result of intelligence-led stop searches and vehicle stops. 

A total of 25 stop searches were carried out across the week which saw cash, drugs and weapons seized.

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'Clear, Build, Hold' is known locally as 'Happy, Hopeful, Hindpool' 'Clear, Build, Hold' is known locally as 'Happy, Hopeful, Hindpool' (Image: Cumbria Police)

Chief Inspector Natalie Jukes said: “The work carried out last week is part of our ongoing commitment to disrupt criminal activity in Hindpool as part of Clear Hold Build.

“The warrants were extensively planned and coordinated, and the teams got some great results.

The police have made arrests as a result of the raids The police have made arrests as a result of the raids (Image: Cumbria Police)

“I’d like to say thank you to our colleagues from Merseyside Police who were deployed into Barrow on Wednesday 21 August to assist us with some further proactive work to tackle criminality in our communities.

“We will continue to pursue criminals in and around Hindpool using all of our available powers.

“The message is clear – if you are involved in the supply of drugs you will be caught. Drug dealing thrives by exploiting vulnerable members of our communities and it can fuel other forms of criminality such as anti-social behaviour and serious violence.

“We rely on information we receive from the public and ask anyone who suspects drug dealing is taking place in their area to report it to police so we can take action.”