A million pound operation smuggled cannabis between the Isle of Man and Merseyside in hidden compartments in Audi and Volkswagen cars.
The Isle of Man Constabulary operation, known as Operation Artemis, has recently concluded resulting in the seizure of 54 kilos of cannabis and the arrests of 22 people. The police operation targeted organised crime groups (OCGs) based in the UK and the Isle of Man who supplied large amounts of the class B drug.
As a result of the operation, cannabis weighing over 54 kilos with a street value of over £1m was seized. Almost £250,000 in cash destined for OCGs in Merseyside was also seized, as were five cars used by the drug traffickers.
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The drug traffickers stored the drugs in a number of different places within the cars, including in the wheel hubs and underneath the loose change holder. Drugs were also packaged up in cardboard boxes wrapped like presents, or transported inside suitcases and pushchairs.
Of the 22 people arrested in the police sting, 14 have been sent down for a total of 39 years and four months in prison between them. The operation has brought significant disruption to OCGs in Merseyside and one longstanding group has been dismantled as a result, according to the Isle of Man Constabulary.
A number of Merseyside residents were found to have made multiple journeys between the island and Liverpool. The men and women made journeys on the ferry before loading their cars with drugs and making a return journey. Police also arrested smugglers at locations including a haulage firm and at their home addresses.
The officer who led the investigation, Detective Inspector Jamie Tomlinson, said: "The successful outcome of the operation was a direct consequence of the dedication, skill and hard work of a small group of detectives. They confronted determined and well-resourced criminals and used a wide range of enforcement techniques to bring them to justice. I am proud of what we have achieved. Our efforts will continue and grow."
DI Tomlinson said the last man arrested, Garry Dentith, played a "pivotal role" and was the OCG's "main point of contact". He came to light after his fingerprints were found on a carrier bag in a trafficker's car. A search of his house found thousands in cash and he was charged with money laundering to a value of over £180,000. He was jailed for seven years, three months.
Chief Constable Gary Roberts QPM, said: "Organised criminal groups, based both here and in Merseyside, pose a real threat to our way of life. There is nothing romantic or beneficial to the community in the way that these ruthless groups go about their activity. They seek to exploit vulnerable people and they care nothing about the impact of what they do. This is just one operation of several that we have run in recent months, but its success shows our determination to keep this island safe."
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