Police and customs officers launched a new operation yesterday (Monday) to coincide for the relaxation of border restrictions.

Dubbed ’Operation Strong Box’, the police are aiming to deter and detect criminal activity, such as drug trafficking, money laundering and other types of cross-border activity undertaken by organised criminal groups.

The operation will see overt and covert police officers on patrol around the island and at the sea, air and fishing ports.

The focus for the police in these areas is on criminality, while teams from the Cabinet Office will also be at the ports checking documentation to ensure that residents and visitors are complying with the new regulations regarding vaccinations.

The operation is based on a traffic-light system, wherein arriving boats are flagged as red, amber or green.

When a boat is deemed ’red’ for intelligence purposes, the police will definitely be present, when it is flagged as ’amber’ they will be there as well because there is a possibility of criminal activity, and if a boat is ’green’ there will be a low-level police presence.

Superintendent Steve Maddocks explained what people can expect: ’You’ll see uniformed police officers in the areas where visitors arrive to the island and we will be actively engaging with people.

’If we have any suspicions that somebody’s involved in criminality we will take action against them.’

He stressed that the Covid-19 pandemic does not stop the illegal supply of controlled drugs, cash leaving the island, or the threats of violence towards members of the community, some of whom are vulnerable and become embroiled in crime. He encouraged anyone who is concerned to come forward.

Superintendent Maddocks added: ’If you’re worried yourself, or somebody knows of somebody who might be vulnerable and are worried about them, I’d encourage you to contact the police.’