Source: The News and Star, Carlisle, UK

Section: News people

Date: 08 November 2002

A WEST Cumbrian cannabis campaigner today accused Whitehaven police of being "ridiculously heavy-handed" after eight officers used battering rams to break into homes to arrest two men for alleged possession of the controlled drug.

The police operation saw eight officers and a dog handler break into houses following tip-offs from the public.

Joseph Hanlon, of Fleswick Avenue, Woodhouse, and Darren Bridson, of Esk Avenue, Mirehouse, were charged yesterday and will appear before Whitehaven magistrates on Monday.

"You would think that they were raiding the houses in search of thousands of pounds worth of heroin the way they barged in there with battering rams," said Mr Peacock, who is from Silloth.

"This is ridiculously heavy-handed," Mr Peacock said, adding: "especially as the Government is getting closer and closer to downgrading cannabis to a Class C drug. This just seems to be a waste of resources."

Message

But DC Tony Stagg, of Whitehaven police, was happy with the way the raids were carried out and said they sent out an important message.

"It is still an illegal drug," he said.

"We will continue to fight the fight, and we want to hear from members of the public who can offer any information about drugs in Whitehaven."