FRANKLIN—Two Franklin men were charged with stealing diapers and baby formula valued at $233 from Farm Fresh on Thursday, Franklin Police said.

Police believe Eric Louis Bradshaw, 40, of 217 Artis St. and Loreze Artis, 50, of 307 Cobb St. planned to sell the items on the black market.

“They are often used to trade for narcotics,” Lt. Tim Whitt said. “There are people out there who will take those items in exchange for drugs.”

Police at about 5:30 p.m. received a call from the Armory Drive store after Bradshaw allegedly ran out with a shopping buggy full of diapers and formula, and got into a late model Volvo.

“They left the scene in great haste with the manager calling to them to stop,” Whitt said.

Police situated themselves along roadways and spotted the car as it took the South Street exit of Highway 58, he said.

Police stopped the car.

Bradshaw was charged with grand larceny, conspiracy to commit a felony and possession of a small amount of marijuana.

Artis was charged with conspiracy to commit a felony. He was the driver.

“It was determined they conspired to commit this crime,” Whitt said.

Both were taken to Western Tidewater Regional Jail in Suffolk.