Fifteen people have appeared at Carlisle Crown Court after being charged as part of a police investigation into the alleged supply and production of illegal drugs.
Among those appearing in the dock together in front of a judge today were a father and son, and two brothers.
The 14 men and one woman — whose ages range from 23 to 50 — have addresses in the Kendal, Carlisle, Tebay, Windermere and Liverpool areas.
Court papers show the charges brought in the case include conspiracy to supply illegal drugs, being concerned in their supply, possession with intent to supply, production of three different illicit substances; and, in the case of the woman, permitting a premises in Liverpool to be used for the production, or attempted production, of class A controlled drug ecstasy.
The majority of charges arise out of offences which are alleged to have taken place during 2022 and 2023.
Ecstasy is one of six illegal drugs listed in the allegations; the others being cocaine, along with cannabis, mephedrone, ketamine and amphetamine.
During a hearing lasting around half an hour, each of the 15 defendants spoke to confirm their names and dates of birth.
Pleas were entered by four of the defendants. The remainder will answer the respective charges they face during a further hearing on November 3.
Judge Nicholas Barker directed that four separate jury trials should be provisionally be listed in the case.
One is due to start in January, 2027 — with a time estimate of eight weeks — while the three others are set to take place in April that year.
In the meantime, 14 of the 15 defendants remain on bail. The 15th, aged 29, remains in custody.
