Scarborough: ‘County Lines’ drug-dealer jailed for three years

On the afternoon of Wednesday 8 November 2023, the Operation Expedite Team and Response units attended a flat on Northstead in Scarborough.

They were acting on intelligence about a suspected drug-dealing “trap house” that had come into use while the occupant was in prison.

Inside, they located 29-year-old Leeds man Andrew Morton (pictured below) and a substantial amount of heroin and crack cocaine wraps.

Morton, of the city’s Harlech Road, was arrested and later charged with possession with intent to supply the Class A drugs.

He pleaded guilty and was sentenced to three years’ imprisonment at York Crown Court today (Tuesday 28 November 2023).

Detective Constable Darrel Temple, of the Operation Expedite Team, said:

“We have eyes and ears everywhere, and it is only a matter of time that drug-dealers like Andrew Morton come to our attention and are brought to justice.

“This case again shows the vital importance of passing information about suspected drug-related crime to the police or anonymously via Crimestoppers.

“We take every piece of information seriously and we will not hesitate to take action.”

Making a report

Anyone with any information about suspected drug-related crime are urged to make a report via the North Yorkshire Police website or by calling 101, select option 4, and speak to the Force Control Room.

Always dial 999 if an emergency response is required.

If you would prefer to remain anonymous, please call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or make a report online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org.

The signs of drug dealing can include

• Increased callers at a property at all times of the day or night
• Increase in cars pulling up for short periods of time
• Different accents at a property
• Anti-social behaviour at a property
• Not seeing the resident for long periods of time
• Drug-related rubbish – small plastic bags, syringes
• Windows covered or curtains closed for long periods

Get professional support for drug-related issues

• Drink Drug Hub website drinkdrughub.co.uk
• North Yorkshire Rise– young people's specialist drug and alcohol service- freephone 08000 14 14 80 (option 2) – humankindcharity.org.uk/service/nyrise/
• North Yorkshire Horizons- adult specialist drug and alcohol service - freephone 08000 14 14 80 – nyhorizons.org.uk/
• City of York Drug and Alcohol Service- 01904 464 680 – changing-lives.org.uk/services/drug-alcohol/york-drug-alcohol-support-services/
• NHS– www.nhs.uk/live-well/addiction-support/drug-addiction-getting-help/
• FRANK helpline and information - www.talktofrank.com/