Maritime operation will 'map, exploit and dismantle' illicit networks

Operation Emstara took place in Irish Sea

A number of vessels were ‘successfully intercepted’ as part of a maritime operation in the Irish Sea this week.

Operation Emstara was coordinated by the Joint Maritime Security Centre - the UK’s multi-agency hub for maritime security.

Its primary aim was to disrupt serious criminality and prevent exploitation of small ports, fast crafts, fishing vessels and commercial ferries by organised crime groups.

Police here say ‘crucial intelligence’ gathered during the interventions will now be developed to map, exploit and dismantle illicit networks.

This, the Isle of Man Constabulary says, will help ensure maritime borders remain hostile to criminal activity.

Activity focussed on the sea between Northern Ireland and the Isle of Man.

Alongside the on-water deployments, officers from the Ports Unit worked to raise awareness of Operation Kraken - an initiative which encourages people to report suspicious maritime activity.

Detective Chief Inspector Chas Maloney is in charge of the Isle of Man Constabulary Serious and Organised Crime, Sensitive Intelligence Unit and Port Security.

He 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 and our community stays safe.

“Moving forward, our commitment to safeguarding the Island remains absolute.

“The Isle of Man Constabulary will continue to work relentlessly alongside our domestic and international partners to disrupt illicit networks and mitigate the threat, harm, and risk associated with organised crime.

“Securing our borders is a continuous, collective effort; by maintaining these strong multi-agency alliances, we ensure that the Isle of Man remains a hostile environment for criminal activity."

During the week officers from the Isle of Man Constabulary and the Isle of Man Border Division were deployed onto the fisheries protection vessel Barrule.

Adam Corcoran, a senior executive officer of the Isle of Man Border Division, said: “This successful joint operation highlights the value of close collaboration between partner agencies and our collective commitment to safeguarding the Isle of Man.

“Working together enables us to make the best use of our resources, strengthen border security, and protect our communities from criminality.”