Manx Police say there was no sign of illegal immigration attempts during last week’s crime fighting operation in the Irish Sea.
Last week, police and ports officers from the Isle of Man teamed up with law enforcers from Northern Ireland in Operation Emstara.
The purpose of the mission in the north-west Irish Sea was to combat “serious criminality and prevent the exploitation of small ports, fast craft, fishing vessels, and commercial ferries by organised crime groups moving illicit commodities or cash through the Common Travel Area”.
In response to a query from Manx.News, a police spokesperson said: “The operation was targeted at disrupting organised crime, which could include immigration offences.
“However, there was no suggestion of illegal immigration in this case.”
Crucial Intelligence
Crews and boarding parties combined as part of the operation, which saw numerous vessels intercepted in the battle against organised crime.
DCI Chas Maloney said: “Crucial intelligence gathered during these interventions is now actively being developed to map, exploit, and dismantle illicit networks, ensuring our maritime borders remain hostile to criminal activity.”
