A DOZEN men are due to appear in court in connection with supplying class-A drugs in the Thirsk area.

The men, who are alleged to have been involved in the supply of cocaine between July 2011 and February 2012, were charged following a long police investigation.

Although one of the men is from Leeds the remaining 11 are local to the Thirsk area.

Nine of the Thirsk men – all aged between 19 and 28 - have been charged with conspiracy to supply cocaine.

A 26-year-old man from Thirsk has been charged with conspiracy to supply cocaine and supplying Class A drugs.

A 21-year-old man from Thirsk has been charged with conspiracy to supply cocaine and supplying Class B drugs.

The Leeds man, aged 37, has been charged with conspiracy to supply cocaine.

All 12 men are due to appear at Northallerton Magistrates’ Court on November 16.