Manhunt Underway for Whitby Drug Suspect After Gun and Class A Drugs Seizure
Police have launched a frantic hunt for a wanted Whitby man linked to a major ‘County Lines’ drug bust. Class A drugs and a sawn-off shotgun were seized during a fierce operation in the coastal town.
Stephen Howard on the Run
Stephen Robert Howard, 31, is believed to have fled Whitby following last week’s police raid. The crackdown, funded by the National County Lines Coordination Centre, targeted drug dealing networks in the area.
Detectives from Scarborough and Ryedale Intelligence Hub, backed by the Yorkshire and Humber Regional Organised Crime Unit, secured vital funding to tackle the County Lines drug trade around Whitby.
Big Drug Haul and Firearm Recovery
- A large stash of suspected Class A drugs was nabbed from a car en route to Whitby.
- Search warrants executed at multiple Whitby addresses led police to discover a sawn-off shotgun.
Two people have already been arrested and released pending further investigation. Meanwhile, the hunt for Howard continues.
Whereabouts Unknown – Possible Flight to Scotland
Officers believe Howard may still be hiding in Whitby but fear he could have taken a train to Fort William in the Scottish Highlands. He also has known connections to Leeds in West Yorkshire.
British Transport Police, Police Scotland, and West Yorkshire Police are all involved in the ongoing search. Howard’s details have been circulated nationwide as police officers across the UK remain vigilant.
Howard’s Description and How to Help
Howard is described as white, 5ft 8in tall, with short brown hair, green eyes, a medium build, and usually sports a trimmed beard.
Anyone with information about his whereabouts or sightings is urged to contact North Yorkshire Police on 101 (select option 1) and ask for the Force Control Room. To remain anonymous, call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Please quote reference number 12220051395 when providing information.
