Two Leeds men arrested as police seize large haul of suspected cocaine in county lines operation

Two men from Leeds have been arrested after police seized a large amount of suspected cocaine in a county lines operation.
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Officers on patrol spotted two men travelling in a car along Leeds Road towards Harrogate on Friday night.

Police followed the vehicle into the town before the car stopped and the passenger ran off, discarding the drugs and a mobile phone.

The suspect was chased by police before he was arrested.

A large amount of suspected cocaine was seized by police (Photo: NYP)A large amount of suspected cocaine was seized by police (Photo: NYP)
A large amount of suspected cocaine was seized by police (Photo: NYP)
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Officers searched the man and found he was also in possession of £700 cash.

The driver and passenger, aged 28 and 44, were both arrested on suspicion of possessing class A drugs with intent to supply.

The driver was also arrested on suspicion of drug driving after a roadside drugs test showed a positive result.

Both men have since been released while under investigation.

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The arrests were made by North Yorkshire Police officers as part of Operation Expedite, a crackdown on 'county lines' drug dealing.

Detective Sergeant Marcus Dawson of Harrogate Police’s Operation Expedite team, said: “We are sending a clear message to the drug peddling fraternity that despite lockdown, it’s business as usual when it comes to disrupting drug dealing and the misery it causes.

“We urge members of the public to keep on reporting suspicious activity to us, we are still here and still need you to report information to us. If you prefer not to talk to us, remember you can report information to Crimestoppers anonymously.”

The force is urging North Yorkshire residents to look out for signs of drug dealing in their neighbourhood, including 'cuckooing' - where drug dealers take over a vulnerable persons house.

Police say signs to look out for include:

- Increase in cars pulling up for short periods of time

- Different accents at a property

- Increased antisocial behaviour at a property

- Not seeing the resident for long periods of time

- Unfamiliar vehicles at the property

- Windows covered or curtains closed for long periods

- Communal doors propped open

Anyone who spots these signs is asked to call North Yorkshire Police on 101, or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. Call 999 if you or another person is in immediate danger.