Monkey caught near prison with 'crack cocaine' during drug bust

The young primate was found alongside what authorities believe to be the Class A drug.

Officers expressed surprise at finding the "unexpected passenger" in the car, which had been stopped near the prison and young offender institution.

The marmoset, thought to be someone's pet, was safely extracted from the vehicle and transferred to an RSPCA sanctuary.

Two women in their twenties were subsequently taken into custody on suspicion of possession with intent to supply Class A drugs.

The discovery came during Operation Gartley, a regular joint initiative between police and His Majesty's Prison and Probation Service targeting visitors to Doncaster prisons.

According to a force spokesman, the vehicle drew attention by attempting to avoid contact with officers.

Upon searching the car, police recovered a quantity of Class A substances believed to be crack cocaine.

The two women arrested remain under investigation, with both having been brought into custody following the search.

The RSPCA has launched its own enquiries into how the South American primate came to be travelling in the vehicle alongside the suspected narcotics.

The animal welfare charity is now investigating the circumstances surrounding the monkey's presence in the vehicle.

An 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."

The 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".

Marmosets are native to South America and require specialist care.

Current estimates suggest as many as 5,000 primates are being kept as pets across the United Kingdom.

This situation is set to change significantly next month when new primate licensing legislation takes effect on April 6.

Under the incoming rules, all private keepers of primates in England will be required to obtain a specialist licence from their local authority.

Those who fail to comply face serious consequences, with the offence carrying potential penalties of an unlimited fine or imprisonment.

The legislation represents a substantial shift in how exotic pet ownership is regulated in this country.

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