TWO suspected drug dealers have been arrested as part of North Yorkshire Police's ongoing crackdown on 'county lines' drugs networks.

The men, from Leeds, were arrested in Harrogate on Thursday night after officers from North Yorkshire Police's proactive team, Operation Expedite, intercepted their vehicle.

Officers on patrol spotted a car travelling along Leeds Road towards Harrogate.

After officers followed the vehicle into the town, it came to a stop and the passenger ran off, discarding a large amount of suspected cocaine and a mobile phone.

He was also found to be in possession of £700.

He was arrested following a short foot chase.

The pair, 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 to allow for further enquiries.

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.”