IOM CONSTABULARYLengthy prison sentences handed down to members of an organised crime gang who plotted to bring a large amount of cocaine to the Isle of Man shows the “harsh reality of being caught”, police have said.
Four men were jailed on Wednesday for being involved in the importation of the Class A drug on a ferry sailing, with their plan being to take the financial proceeds back to the UK.
The plot was foiled by plain clothes police officers who made arrests in a hotel car park after the drugs and cash were exchanged.
Det Insp Jamie Tomlinson of the Isle of Man Constabulary’s serious and organised crime unit said the convictions were the “result of many months of focus and dedication”.
He said: “This proactive operation has dismantled an organised crime group who were active in bringing cocaine into the island for onward supply.”
Operation Tirana saw officers target those involved in the plot on 18 May 2024.
Cocaine with a street value of between £55,920 and £111,840 was seized along with about £15,000 in Manx bank notes.
IOM CONSTABULRYDouglas resident Liam Bradley, who was said to have played a leading role in the Isle of Man side of the operation, was jailed for nine years and four months.
Another local man, Ryan White, was jailed for seven years and eight months, while John O’Neill, of Manchester, was jailed for six years and five months.
Manchester-based Robin Leigh, who was a leading figure in the UK side of the plot, was sentenced to eight years and seven months in prison.
A fifth man, Wesley Maddix, also from the Manchester area, was sentenced to five months after admitting possession of criminal property.
IOM ConstabularyDet Insp Tomlinson said it had been an “outstanding team effort” by his colleagues.
He added: “The courts have yet again showed – in the sentences imposed – the harsh reality of being caught having been involved in the production, supply and planning in respect of Class A drugs on our island.
“You can expect significant custodial sentences if apprehended.”
