Authorities Seize Inflatable Boats Destined for People Smugglers

The National Crime Agency (NCA) has seized a shipment of small inflatable boats and engines at East Midlands Airport, believed to be destined for use by people smugglers. This marks the first time such equipment has been intercepted in air freight by the agency.

The seizure is part of an ongoing effort to disrupt criminal networks involved in facilitating illegal crossings, particularly across the English Channel. Officials stated that had the boats reached their intended recipients, each could have been used to transport approximately 70 individuals.

Craig Turner, NCA deputy director of investigations, emphasized the agency's focus on targeting those who supply boats and engines for Channel crossings. "This work is happening both overseas, with international partners, and here in the UK," Turner said. "So far it has led to the seizure of in excess of 1,600 boats and engines, denying their use to criminal networks."

The NCA believes these interdictions are impacting the operations of criminal gangs by increasing the cost and difficulty of acquiring necessary equipment. "Our assessment is that this is having an impact, driving up the cost of boats and engines, making it more difficult to get them to the coast and eating into the profits of the criminal gangs involved," Turner added.

In July, a separate maritime seizure occurred at Felixstowe port, where 25 boats and 25 engines were intercepted in a consignment bound for Germany. The NCA's investigation into the air freight seizure is ongoing.