A 20-year-old Northallerton man who “preyed on vulnerable users” has been jailed after dealing in crack cocaine and heroin.

Tyler Walton was stopped by officers on Tuesday January 18 on Parliament Street in Harrogate and had his vehicle searched.

Officers from the North Yorkshire Police Operation Expedite Team found cash and digital scales in his possession.

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He was arrested for possession with intent to supply class A drugs and a further search of Walton in custody found he was in possession of 14 wraps of crack cocaine and heroin in his mouth.

Walton appeared before court in Monday February 14 and pleaded guilty to possession with intent to supply cocaine and heroin.

Yesterday (Thursday February 17) he was sentenced to 20 months in prison at York Crown Court.

Investigating officer constable George Frost from Harrogate’s Expedite Team said Walton was selling “potentially lethal drugs to vulnerable users and preyed on them to further his own financial gain.”

The Northern Echo: Tyler Jay WaltonTyler Jay Walton

Mr Frost added: “This case demonstrates how robustly Harrogate’s Operation Expedite team will pursue those who are involved in drug supply.

“I hope that our communities are reassured by the swift police action taken in this case. We will not accept this sort of activity on the streets of Harrogate and North Yorkshire.

“We are continuing our efforts every day to ensure that the vulnerable people who fall victim drug addiction are safeguarded and that the dealers who exploit them are targeted and prosecuted.”

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“Please can I take this opportunity to encourage members of the public who concerned about drug dealing activity and those affected by it to contact North Yorkshire Police or contact Crimestoppers.”

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