A global sting in which organised crime gangs were sold encrypted phones that law enforcement officials could monitor has led to more than 800 arrests in 18 countries.

The operation by the FBI and Australian and European police, ensnared suspects in Australia, Asia, Europe, South America and the Middle East involved in the narcotics trade.

More than 800 suspected members of organised crime gangs were arrested and $148m (£104m) in cash seized in raids around the world, along with tonnes of drugs, cryptocurrencies, weapons and luxury cars.