Three arrests and drugs seized after taxi stop in Craven

Three people have been arrested on suspicion of drugs offences, after police intercepted a taxi near Skipton.

At about 11.45am on Wednesday 16 September 2020, officers from North Yorkshire Police’s Operation Expedite team were on proactive patrol in the area of Cross Hills, Skipton, when they stopped a taxi which was suspected of involvement in drugs supply offences.

Two men, aged 25 and 20, were arrested from the taxi on suspicion of class A drugs offences. A third man, aged 52, was arrested in Skipton later the same day, having been linked to the incident.

As a result of the arrests and subsequent searches, about 30 wraps of suspected heroin, cash, numerous phones, digital scales, deal bags and debt lists were recovered by police.

The three men have been released under investigation while enquiries continue.

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

A spokesperson for North Yorkshire Police, said: "Tackling county lines drug dealing is a priority for North Yorkshire Police, and Expedite teams work proactively to prevent and detect drug dealing and associated offences.

"They also work to safeguard and protect those who are vulnerable and targeted by organised crime networks."

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.