Officers from Cleveland Police stopped the vehicle on Brierton Lane after suspicious behaviour.
When they checked the behicle they discovered that it was being driven with false registration plates.
A search of the men and vehicle revealed class A, B and C drugs.
The driver and passenger, men aged 21 and 30, were arrested on suspicion of theft of a motor vehicle and possession with intent to supply.
During searches of their home addresses a Ford Transit van was recovered with false plates.
Both men have been released on bail while an investigation is carried out.
A Cleveland Police spokesperson said: “Officers from Hartlepool Neighbourhood Team stopped a Nissan Nivara on Brierton Lane. Checks on the vehicle revealed that it was being driven with false registration plates and was a suspected stolen vehicle from the Manchester area. The driver and passenger, two men aged 21 and 30, were searched and class A, B and C drugs were recovered.
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“Both men were arrested on suspicion of theft of a motor vehicle and possession with intent to supply class A, B and C drugs.
“The 21-year-old driver was also arrested on suspicion of failing to provide a specimen and driving without insurance.
“During a search of one of the suspects’ addresses, officers recovered a Ford Transit van on false plates.
“Both men have since been released on bail whilst investigations continue.”