The National Crime Agency has confiscated 25 inflatable boats believed to be intended for people smugglers. The boats were discovered in an air freight shipment from Turkey to the Netherlands, marking a first for such a detection in air transport. This interception occurred at East Midlands Airport, where authorities acted on intelligence to prevent the boats from reaching their destination.
This seizure follows a similar incident in July, where a maritime shipment of boats and engines was intercepted at Felixstowe. The NCA continues to investigate organized crime groups involved in immigration offenses, with around 100 ongoing investigations into smuggling operations.