Two suspected ‘county lines’ drug dealers arrested near Ripon

It's thought the two men from Leeds were attempting to supply drugs into the area.

Author: Natalie HigginsPublished 29th Oct 2020
Last updated 29th Oct 2020

Two suspected drug dealers have been arrested near Ripon after being found in possession of class A drugs.

At around 5.20pm yesterday (28 October), officers intercepted a vehicle on Hutton Bank near Ripon following a proactive operation targeting drug dealing in the area.

Officers from the force Operation Expedite team and resources from the Operational Support Unit brought the suspect’s vehicle to a stop and two 21-year-old men were arrested.

A search of the car and the suspects resulted in officers seizing a large amount of suspected MDMA tablets, a significant quantity of suspected crack cocaine, a knife and proximately £500 cash.

It is believed the Leeds-based pair were travelling across the border from West Yorkshire in a ‘county lines’ operation to supply large quantities of class A drugs in the Ripon area.

One of the men has since been charged with possession of a bladed weapon and will appear in court on 11 February. Both men have been released while under investigation in relation to the possession of class A drugs with intent to supply.

North Yorkshire Police’s Operation Expedite teams focus on those involved in drug dealing, particularly ‘county lines’. These are dealers who travel from outside of North Yorkshire to pedal drugs in our towns, often exploiting vulnerable and young people and forcing them to sell their drugs for them.

Anyone who has any information about drug dealing in their area is urged to contact North Yorkshire Police on 101. If you prefer not to speak to the police and remain anonymous, you can pass information to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org.