a day ago
Second group of small boats set to be used in Channel seized
Twenty inflatable boats believed to be destined for people smugglers in the English Channel have been seized from a lorry in Bulgaria — the second such discovery in less than three boats were found overnight on Sunday at the Kapitan Andreevo checkpoint in a truck bound for the than 25,000 migrants have crossed the Channel so far in 2025, the first time that number has been reached in July, according to official Duggan, head of Europe for National Crime Agency International, said: "Stopping these dangerous boats from reaching the hands of people smugglers has prevented crossings and prevented lives being put at risk."
Last month, NCA officers worked with Bulgarian partners to seize another 25 inflatable boats.A total of 69 boats are now believed to have been seized at the Kapitan Andreevo checkpoint in latest seizure was made as part of an NCA operation, in collaboration with Home Office International Operations, targeting supplies of small boat equipment moving into was passed on to the Bulgarian National Customs Agency, allowing officers to intercept and search the 8m (26.2ft) long boats, which are unsuitable for use in deep water, could have carried a total of up to 1,200 people across the Channel, according to the agency said the lorry driver had been charged with breaching Bulgarian customs regulations.
Ms Duggan said more than 700 boats and engines had been seized since early Secretary Yvette Cooper added: "Tackling organised immigration crime of this scale requires sustained effort."It will take time, but operations like this show we are making clear progress with our Plan For Change, disrupting and dismantling networks and holding those who exploit vulnerable people to account."
