25 boats and engines intended for smugglers seized at Felixstowe
The boats were discovered in a container shipped from China
In a substantial operation at the Port of Felixstowe, at least 25 inflatable boats and 25 outboard engines intended for Channel smuggling gangs were intercepted by the National Crime Agency (NCA).
Conducted in collaboration with Border Force specialist search teams, the seizure took place on Saturday, 18th July.
The boats, measuring ten metres long, along with Parsun outboard engines, were discovered in a container shipped from China.
This marks the first occasion in the UK that a bulk consignment intended for people smugglers has been seized.
Since targeting equipment supply chains in early 2023, the NCA and international partners have intercepted over 1,500 boats and engines.
The cargo's scheduled next stop was Hamburg, Germany, a known staging post for boats and equipment used by smugglers heading to northern France and Belgium.
Each boat had the capacity to carry approximately 80 individuals, potentially putting around 2,000 lives at risk in the English Channel.
The crew and operators of the vessel transporting the container were reportedly unaware of its contents.
The NCA's investigation into the shipment's organisation continues, involving international law enforcement partners.
NCA Branch Commander Adam Berry commented, "This was a significant seizure of small boat equipment which will put a huge dent in the profits of the criminal network involved. It will also have stopped these dangerous boats and under-powered engines being used to put lives at risk in the Channel."
Berry added that targeting supply lines is a crucial method in disrupting smugglers, with ongoing investigations.
Border Security Commander Duncan Capps CBE stated, "This seizure delivers yet another serious blow to the criminal gangs facilitating dangerous and illegal Channel crossings. Disruptions like these are happening more than ever before."
Tackling organised immigration crime remains a priority for the NCA, whihc has intensified efforts to undermine the networks behind smuggling, leading to increased seizures, arrests, and disruptions.
The NCA currently has over 100 operations concerning people smuggling underway.