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  "path": "/news/doncaster-news-monkey-caught-prison-crack-cocaine-drug-bust",
  "publishedAt": "2026-03-07T09:43:11.000Z",
  "site": "https://www.gbnews.com",
  "tags": [
    "Man handed whole life order for murdering former partner’s sister and children in house fire",
    "Man arrested on terrorism charges on suspicion of supporting Islamic State",
    "Ian Huntley hours from death as child killer’s life support machine SHUT OFF after prison attack",
    "The GB News Editorial Charter"
  ],
  "textContent": "\n\n\nA \"cheeky\" monkey has been caught near a prison in Yorkshire with crack cocaine during a vehicle search.\n\nSouth Yorkshire Police officers made the unusual discovery last week during a drug bust outside HMP Moorlands in Doncaster.\n\n###\n\n\n\n\nThe young primate was found alongside what authorities believe to be the Class A drug.\n\nOfficers expressed surprise at finding the \"unexpected passenger\" in the car, which had been stopped near the prison and young offender institution.\n\n###\n\n\n\n\nTRENDING\n\nStories\n\nVideos\n\nYour Say\n\n###\n\n\n\n\nThe marmoset, thought to be someone's pet, was safely extracted from the vehicle and transferred to an RSPCA sanctuary.\n\nTwo women in their twenties were subsequently taken into custody on suspicion of possession with intent to supply Class A drugs.\n\nThe discovery came during Operation Gartley, a regular joint initiative between police and His Majesty's Prison and Probation Service targeting visitors to Doncaster prisons.\n\nAccording to a force spokesman, the vehicle drew attention by attempting to avoid contact with officers.\n\n###\n\n\n\n\n###\n\n\n\n\n###\n\n\n\n\nUpon searching the car, police recovered a quantity of Class A substances believed to be crack cocaine.\n\nThe two women arrested remain under investigation, with both having been brought into custody following the search.\n\nThe RSPCA has launched its own enquiries into how the South American primate came to be travelling in the vehicle alongside the suspected narcotics.\n\nThe animal welfare charity is now investigating the circumstances surrounding the monkey's presence in the vehicle.\n\n### LATEST DEVELOPMENTS\n\n\n\n\n  * Man handed whole life order for murdering former partner’s sister and children in house fire\n  * Man arrested on terrorism charges on suspicion of supporting Islamic State\n  * Ian Huntley hours from death as child killer’s life support machine SHUT OFF after prison attack\n\n\n\n###\n\n\n\n\n###\n\n\n\n\nAn RSPCA spokesman said the organisation \"strongly opposes\" keeping monkeys as pets, adding: \"Their complex social, dietary, and environmental needs cannot be met in a home setting, often leading to severe suffering, depression and health issues like metabolic bone disease.\"\n\nThe spokesman welcomed forthcoming legislation, stating it \"will be a really important moment for animal welfare ensuring primates can only be kept in an appropriate environment, as we all strive to create a better world for every animal\".\n\nMarmosets are native to South America and require specialist care.\n\nCurrent estimates suggest as many as 5,000 primates are being kept as pets across the United Kingdom.\n\n###\n\n\n\n\n###\n\n\n\n\nThis situation is set to change significantly next month when new primate licensing legislation takes effect on April 6.\n\nUnder the incoming rules, all private keepers of primates in England will be required to obtain a specialist licence from their local authority.\n\nThose who fail to comply face serious consequences, with the offence carrying potential penalties of an unlimited fine or imprisonment.\n\nThe legislation represents a substantial shift in how exotic pet ownership is regulated in this country.\n\n###\n\n\n\n\n**Our Standards:The GB News Editorial Charter**",
  "title": "Monkey caught near prison with 'crack cocaine' during drug bust"
}