Isle of Man police said Operation Artemis, which ran from February to October 2022, seized 119lb (54kg) of cannabis with a street value of £1m.[1] The force said cannabis had been hidden in concealed compartments in the seats or consoles of five cars.[1] Police said the operation also found drugs posted to the island in wrapping paper and hidden in tyres on a shipping pallet.[1] Det Insp Jamie Tomlinson said almost £250,000 set to leave the island was intercepted, including £11,940 found in a pram.[1]

The force made 22 arrests of residents of the Isle of Man and the UK, which led to 14 people being convicted of drugs and money-laundering offences.[1] Chief Constable Gary Roberts said a “long-standing criminal group” had been “dismantled” and that the operation exposed the exploitation of vulnerable and young people on the island.[1] Roberts said the drugs seized came mainly to the island via sea links and “emanated largely from Liverpool”.[1]

Manx Radio reported that the 14 people convicted were imprisoned for a combined 39 years and four months.[2] Manx Radio gave the street value of the cannabis as more than £1,080,884.21 and the criminal cash recovered as more than £247,170.00.[2] Manx Radio reported that the cash recovered was destined for Merseyside and that five vehicles fitted with hidden compartments were seized.[2]

Energy FM reported that Operation Artemis targeted organised criminal groups based in the United Kingdom and on the Isle of Man which supplied large amounts of cannabis.[3] Energy FM recorded 22 arrests, 14 convictions and a combined 39 years and four months in prison, and that one long-standing group had been dismantled.[3]