Over £1m of Cannabis Seized

A major Police operation with partners in the UK has seen over 54kg of cannabis seized.

The operation targeted organised criminal groups based in the UK and the Isle of Man, which supplied large amounts of cannabis.

As a result of the operation, cannabis weighing over 54kg, with a street value of over £1miilion was seized, along with almost a quarter of million pounds in cash destined for organised criminal groups in Merseyside and five motor-vehicles used by drug traffickers were seized.

The operation involved the arrest of twenty-two people and the conviction of fourteen individuals, who between them received a total of thirty-nine years and four months in prison. The Constabulary said the operation has brought significant disruption to organised criminal groups and that ‘one long-standing group has been dismantled’.

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.’

Chief Constable Gary Roberts added: ‘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.’