Robert Parsons, 58, was caught on police drone footage dealing heroin and crack cocaine near a primary school in Middlesbrough on January 13, 2026. The footage, released by Cleveland Police, shows Parsons interacting with two individuals near the footbridge over the A66 at around 2pm.
Drone surveillance leads to arrest
Officers from the Middlesbrough Proactive Team used the drone to observe Parsons, who was wearing beige trousers, a black coat, and a black cap. He was seen taking a purple tub from his pocket and handing over suspected drugs to a man and a woman. After the transaction, Parsons walked over the bridge and down a woodland path while speaking on his phone. The drone followed him to an address, where a team of officers arrested him.
Bodycam footage shows a bewildered Parsons being handcuffed as an officer explains he is under arrest 'on suspicion of being concerned in supplying class A drugs.' The officer adds: 'Someone matching your description has just carried out what we suspect to be a drugs transaction, in the last 20 minutes or so.'
Search uncovers drugs hidden in oven mitt
During a search of Parsons' residence, officers located two purple tubs containing heroin and another tub hidden in an oven mitt containing crack cocaine. A second man, aged 55, was also arrested at the address in possession of a wrap of suspected crack cocaine.
On July 9, 2026, Parsons, from West Lane in Middlesbrough, was sentenced to an 18-month prison sentence suspended for two years at Teesside Crown Court after being charged with two counts of possession with intent to supply class A drugs.
Police condemn disregard for children
Middlesbrough Proactive Team Sergeant John Sproson said: 'Not only was Parsons dealing drugs in broad daylight in central Middlesbrough, he was doing it near to a local primary school in view of young children. There was a blatant disregard shown for these children, and I am pleased that Parsons has now been sentenced.'
Of the technology used, Sproson added: 'The police drone is an invaluable tool in our proactive approach to tackling crime in Middlesbrough; it is our eyes in the skies… and local criminals have been warned!'
The school had previously reported suspected drug dealing to the police, prompting the operation.
