A police operation into the criminal activities of members of organised crime groups responsible for importation, storage and distribution of illegal drugs has been ‘a success’.

Operation Redcap ran over a five day period from November 22 to 26 and was the follow up to Operation Strongbox.

It resulted in 17 people being arrested for a combination of possession with intent to supply Class A and B drugs, money laundering, firearms offences, possession of offensive weapons and the offence of removal of criminal property from the island.

One person was also sent to prison for non-payment of fines.

Police seized significant quantities of cocaine, heroin, magic mushrooms, amphetamines, cannabis, ketamine and Class C drugs.

They also found three firearms and various knives and weapons, as well as a significant quantity of cash believed to be from the proceeds of crime.

A statement from the Isle of Man Constabulary said: ‘Operation Redcap has been a success.

‘It has met the aims and has achieved the objectives we set out to achieve.’