An additional four people have been charged as Operation Horizon continues. Operation Horizon is a large-scale investigation targeting county line drug supply in Barrow. Twenty six people have now been charged with various drug offences as part of the operation.
The operation, which started in May 2018, was in response to a high number of drugs deaths in the town occurring since December 2017.
The following people have been charged in addition to those previous published:
Dean Knight, 27, of Station Road, Birkenhead, Merseyside, has been charged with:
- Conspiring to supply Class A drug heroin.
- Conspiring to supply Class A drug cocaine.
- Handling criminal property.
He is due to appear at Preston Crown Court on the 22nd February.
Helen Cains, 34, of Harrison Street, Barrow, has been charged with:
- Conspiring to supply Class A drug heroin.
- Conspiring to supply Class A drug cocaine.
She is due to appear at Preston Crown Court on the 22nd February.
Deborah Aboloaji, 20, of Sandbourne Road, Lewisham, has been charged with:
- Conspiring to supply Class A drug heroin.
- Conspiring to supply Class A drug cocaine.
She is due to appear at Preston Crown Court on the 7th February
Joanne McMillan, 47 of no fixed abode, has been charged with:
- Supplying Class A drug cocaine.
- Producing Class A drug crack cocaine
She is due to appear at Preston Crown Court on the 7th February.
Detective Inspector, Paddy McDonnell said: “Cumbrian officers work alongside other regional police forces and national agencies to tackle county lines drug dealing in the county and one of our priorities is tackling the issue of criminal gangs using vulnerable children and adults to move drugs and money into and out of Cumbria.
“To tackle this issue most effectively we continue to need the public’s support. We need information from people in the community, no matter how insignificant you feel it is regarding the supply of drugs in your community and those vulnerable people who are being exploited, or are at risk of being exploited.”
There are some simple signs which could indicate someone who has been exploited by criminal gangs which we are asking for the public to look out for:
- Changes in behaviour
- Signs of assault and/or malnutrition
- Access to numerous phones
- Use of unusual terms
- Associating with gangs
- Unexplained bus or train tickets
- School truancy or going missing
- Unexplained gifts (clothes, trainers) and cash
Detective Inspector, Paddy McDonnell added: “Our officers are on the lookout every day for such warning signs but the public can also be an enormous assistance in preventing the exploitation of the most vulnerable members of our society.
“Drugs negatively impact the entire community on many levels, from petty crime to fund addiction, to violence and exploitation. I urge you to get in touch now if you have any information regarding drug supply in your community.
“Also, if you are negative affected by substance abuse, please, to take the first step: contact us on 101 or contact a charity such as The Well, Cadas, Women’s Community Matters, Unity or The Samaritans for vital support and information.”
