The National Crime Agency (NCA) has led an operation with Bulgarian law official and have intercepted 25 boats destined for France.
The inflatables were found in a lorry which has crossed the Bulgarian border after the Home Office’s International Operations unit supported helped to support an investigation on the lorry driving through Europe.
The truck was intercepted at the Kapitan Andreevo checkpoint by Bulgarian customs officers.
The boats are eight metres long and can carry between 50 to 60 migrants across the English Channel when fully inflated.
The NCA’s Regional Head of Investigation, Jacque Beer said, “This was a significant seizure, with these vessels destined for use by the organised crime groups running small boat crossings from France to the UK.
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They are of the type typically used in highly dangerous and frequently deadly journeys across the English Channel, and are completely ill-suited for use at sea.
Taking them out before they could reach the shores of northern France means we have not only prevented crossings from happening and lives being put at risk, but also put a dent in the profits of the people smugglers.”
Jacque Beer added, “We assess that this activity is having an impact on boat and engine supply, making it more difficult and costlier for OCGs (Organised Crime Groups) to source equipment.
The UK’s Border Security Commander, Martin Hewitt said, “International collaboration is a key part of our work to break down the business model of criminal gangs operating across borders, putting lives at risk.
This seizure marks a significant step forward in our joint work alongside the NCA to disrupt the supply chain fuelling these dangerous small boat crossings.
Border Security Commander, Martin Hewitt said, “International collaboration is a key part of our work to break down the business model of criminal gangs operating across borders, putting lives at risk.
“This seizure marks a significant step forward in our joint work alongside the NCA to disrupt the supply chain fuelling these dangerous small boat crossings.
“Our dedicated teams on the ground are working around the clock with international partners to take down the criminal gangs who put our border security at risk.”
