Teenagers arrested after Harrogate police find suspected heroin and crack cocaine inside Kinder eggs

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They were caught by plain clothed officers targeting drug dealing on the town's streets on Thursday, June 3.

Officers from the force’s proactive Operation Expedite team were patrolling in the town when the suspicious behaviour of the pair caused them to be approached.

The suspects initially ran off from the officers but were detained following a short foot chase.

The pair were searched under the Misuse of Drugs Act and two Kinder eggs containing suspected heroin and crack cocaine were found along with a knuckle duster seized from one of the teenagers.

The boys, both from West Yorkshire, are believed to be involved in County Lines drug supply into Harrogate.

The 16-year-old was arrested on suspicion of possessing class A drugs with intent to supply, possessing cannabis and possessing an offensive weapon. The 15-year-old was arrested on suspicion of being concerned in the supply of class A drugs.

Both have been released on conditional bail to allow for further enquiries to be carried out.

Members of the public are urged to report any suspected drug dealing in their neighbourhood to the police on 101 or to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. Always call 999 in an emergency.

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Child criminal exploitation

County Lines drug gangs groom and exploit young people into selling drugs on their behalf so they can evade the police.

North Yorkshire Police is urging people to look out for signs that a young person might be exploited by drugs dealers and report it to the police on 101.

If you don’t want to speak to the police directly, you can pass information anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. You can also get advice from other organisations such as the NSPCC and the Children’s Society. But if you believe a child is in immediate danger, always call the police on 999.

If you are a young person and want help but don’t want to talk to the police, Fearless and Childline can provide advice and information. But if you are in immediate danger always call the police on 999.

Spot the signs of exploitation of young people:

-Persistently going missing from school or home and being found in another area

-Unexplained money, clothes or mobile phones

-Excessive receipt of texts or phone calls

-Relationships with controlling older individuals

-Unexplained injuries / suspicion of any physical assault

-Carrying weapons

-Significant decline in behaviour / school performance

-Gang association or isolation from peers

-Self-harm or significant changes in emotional well-being