A man and woman have appeared in court after being arrested as part of the police’s new ’Operation Strongbox’.

Ashley Nicholas Stewart, aged 28, of Demesne Road, Douglas, appeared in court on Tuesday charged with possessing an imitation firearm in public and possessing a regulated weapon without a certificate.

Natasha Hayley Madden, aged 22, of the same address, was also charged with the same two offences.

Police searched a vehicle which the two were travelling with on the Ben-my-Chree on June 27.

An air pistol was found in the boot of the car which was said to have the appearance of a Colt gun.

Ms Madden has also previously been charged with possession of class ’A’ drugs with intent to supply, possession of class ’A’ drugs, and two counts of possession of class ’B’ drugs, all said to have been committed on May 21, 2020.

Both Mr Stewart and Ms Madden made bail applications but bail was refused by magistrates.

The case was adjourned until July 6.

Operation Strongbox was launched this week as police feared a surge in crime as the border restrictions were relaxed.

More details are in the Isle of Man Examiner.