Police target taxis in Harrogate

Harrogate taxis stopped in major drugs crackdown as police seize £10,500 in cash. Police targeted taxis in Harrogate and York during a week-long operation against County Lines drug gangs, leading to arrests, drug seizures and the recovery of more than £10,000 in cash.

Police target taxis in Harrogate drug crackdown

Taxis in Harrogate and York were stopped by police as part of a major crackdown on County Lines drug dealing across North Yorkshire.

The operation took place between 2 and 8 March 2026 during a national “week of intensification” aimed at disrupting organised drug gangs that move drugs into smaller towns and rural communities.

Officers from North Yorkshire Police carried out targeted vehicle stops to identify passengers suspected of transporting illegal drugs across county borders.

£10,500 in cash and drugs seized

During the week-long operation, police seized suspected cocaine, crack cocaine and cannabis, along with £10,500 in cash believed to be linked to drug supply.

Across North Yorkshire the crackdown resulted in:

• Four arrests

• Four warrants executed at properties

• 26 addresses visited by officers

• 10 vulnerable people safeguarded from criminal exploitation

The action involved close cooperation with North Yorkshire Council and British Transport Police.

Trains and nightlife venues also targeted

Because drugs are often transported via rail, officers worked with British Transport Police to increase both high-visibility and plain-clothes patrols on trains and at stations.

In Filey, officers also carried out evening patrols in licensed venues using a specialist drugs detection dog to identify illegal substances.

Children warned about County Lines dangers

County Lines drug networks often exploit young people and vulnerable adults to move drugs or cash between cities and smaller communities.

Alongside enforcement activity, police delivered educational sessions in 16 schools, reaching more than 1,800 pupils.

Children’s author Christina Gabbitas spoke to students about the dangers of criminal exploitation through her “No More Knives” and “Missing in County Lines” awareness talks.