POLICE have issued a warning to parents and carers about drug-infused sweets and chocolate.

North Yorkshire Police officers have been made aware of a recent increase in availability and use of 'edibles' across the region.

PC Lauren Green said: “We want to make parents and carers aware that we have seen a slight rise in young people being in possession of drug-infused sweets known as 'edibles'.

“They can look very similar to well-known sweets such as Haribo, Smarties and chocolate bars. Edibles can be laced with illegal drugs such as cannabis and MDMA.

“Unregulated sweets like these are dangerous as we don’t know what levels of drugs they contain.

"They are available to buy on the internet and so could easily be obtained by young people, especially at this time when they are using the internet more than ever due to the coronavirus restrictions.”

If you require further information, guidance and support, visit the North Yorkshire Police website.

Anyone with information about suspected illegal drug use or drug dealing is urged to call North Yorkshire Police on 101.

If you would prefer to remain anonymous, contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.