Peruvian police have performed a holiday-themed sting on a group of alleged drug dealers, bursting into their house wearing Santa costumes.

Getting into the Christmas spirit, a number of anti-narcotics officers dressed as the benevolent children’s character broke down the door with a sledgehammer.

Officials believed the Lima residence was being used as a large cocaine distribution base for illegal gangs.

Arresting four suspects, the police also allegedly seized 4500 cocaine “wraps” – or small packets of paste used to make the powdered drug.

Watch the creative drug bust below:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nikcbJdWSpk

Police told Reuters they used the Santa garb to increase their element of surprise.

United Press International reported the police didn’t want to raise suspicion in the neighbourhood, and the Santa outfit allowed them to conceal weapons (instead of presents) in their sacks.