Officers from each of the five Neighbourhood Policing Teams came together last week to put a new policing initiative into action.
Operation Deflect began early on the morning of Monday 8th February and concluded on the evening of Sunday 14th February.
In total, 10 warrants issued under the Misuse of Drugs Act were executed across the Island by the respective Neighbourhood Policing Teams.
During the operation, 18 people were arrested for a multitude of offences ranging from criminal damage, money laundering and drugs offences. Numerous addresses across the island were searched during the week long operation.
Throughout the week, regular officers were assisted by members of the Special Constabulary who helped maintain the regular patrol service whilst other officers from the Special Constabulary participated in drug raids and property searches.
Sergeant Darren Richards stated, "This is the fourth operation of this nature to be conducted by the police and once again it has been a success.
"The original objective remained, to conduct a sustained pro active drive throughout the week to cause disruption amongst the criminal fraternity, whilst maintaining the normal level of Neighbourhood Policing Patrols across the Island.
"The success of the operation was assisted greatly by the involvement of officers from the CID working alongside their uniformed colleagues. To any member of the public it would have been business as usual."
Sergeant Darren Richards in charge of the Islands Pro Active Team stated, "this pro active way of policing sets out a very clear message, if you are a criminal who is intent on breaking the law, then the Isle of Man is not for you."
The press, who were permitted access to the operation, were present during briefings and at some of the operations as they unfolded.
The operation was supported by CID, several government agencies and local authorities in a concerted effort to disrupt criminality and the supply of illegal substances within the local community.
During the operation the full spectrum of controlled drugs were seized including ecstasy, heroin, cocaine, amphetamine, and cannabis and a number of people have been charged and will appear in Court.
