Two suspected drug dealers have been arrested in Ripon as part of a police operation.

Officers stopped a vehicle on Hutton Bank at about 5.20pm on Wednesday and arrested two men aged 21 from Leeds.

They seized a large amount of suspected ecstasy tablets and crack cocaine, as well as a knife and around £500 in cash.

The arrests were part of North Yorkshire Police’s Operation Expedite, which tackles county lines drug crimes.

Officers believe the pair travelled from West Yorkshire to supply large quantities of class A drugs in the Ripon area.

One of the men has been charged with possession of a bladed weapon and will appear in court in February. In relation to possession of class A drugs with intent to supply, both men have been released under investigation.

Read more:

• Police drugs bust near Harrogate’s Valley Gardens
• Warning to parents after police seize ‘drug-laced sweets’ in Ripon
• Harrogate county lines drug suspect arrested

Operation Expedite

Officers working on Operation Expedite are focused on targeting people who travel to North Yorkshire in order to deal drugs. They often exploit young and vulnerable people, forcing them into selling drugs.

As well as detecting those behind the crimes, the police teams work to protect those who are vulnerable to being targeted by organised crime networks.

For more information, visit North Yorkshire Police’s website. To report suspected drug dealing, call the force on 101, or speak anonymously to Crimestoppers by calling 0800 555111.

Four teenagers have been arrested after “drugs disguised as sweets” were seized in Ripon yesterday afternoon.

Police stopped a vehicle in the city around 4pm and arrested the four on suspicion of possession with intent to supply Class B drugs, money laundering and weapons offences.

Among the items seized during the arrests were what appeared to be sweets – but officers strongly believe they are laced with controlled drugs.

Three of the arrested teenagers have been released under investigation and the fourth has been bailed while enquiries continue.

A spokesman for North Yorkshire Police said:

“Police are extremely concerned that anyone consuming these items could be at risk of serious harm, and are asking parents to be particularly vigilant, and ensure their children understand the risks.

“These so-called ‘edibles’ pose a risk to young people across York and North Yorkshire. Anyone who has any information about the supply of illegal drugs in any form is urged to contact North Yorkshire Police on 101, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. Your call could literally save someone’s life.”