A WOMAN has been arrested on suspicion of drug offences, as part of North Yorkshire Police's campaign against 'county lines' crime.

Working with partner agencies in Harrogate and Skipton, North Yorkshire Police are trying to crack down on criminals based in large, urban areas who exploit young, vulnerable people using violence and threats to force them to sell, store, and transport drugs to smaller county towns on their behalf.

This week, police officers, housing officers, and drug and alcohol workers carried out welfare checks on victims of crime and those who may be vulnerable, and following the execution of a warrant, a woman in her twenties was arrested.

A spokesman said the woman was arrested on suspicion of possession Class A drugs with intent to supply in Aismunderby Close, Ripon, and officers also seized Class A drugs, mobile phones, cash and other drug paraphernalia.

She has since been released under investigation as enquiries continue.

Chief Inspector Andy Colbourne said: "The disruption of county lines drug-relating activity and protecting vulnerable people who are exploited by drug dealers continues to be a priority for North Yorkshire Police. The police can’t do it on their own and by working together with our partners we can address the various, complex factors associated with county lines - from disrupting criminal behaviour to getting help for people with a drug dependency. My thanks go to everyone who works with us to confront and disrupt the issues caused by county lines."

Anyone with information on county lines crime should phone 101, Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555111 or 999 in an emergency.