NCA Busts Illegal Lifejacket Shipment for Channel People Smugglers
The National Crime Agency (NCA) has struck a blow against organised crime by seizing 600 dodgy lifejackets meant for migrant cross-Channel smugglers. The subpar jackets, which fail UK and European safety rules, were found in a lorry hauled in by Dutch cops in Zwolle on Monday, 9 September.
Lorry Driver Arrested in Netherlands
The 23-year-old lorry driver was arrested on suspicion of people smuggling offences. Dutch authorities are now investigating the case. The jackets were tracked from Italy after entering Europe and intercepted thanks to a joint effort by the NCA, Dutch Koninklijke Marechaussee, Italian Guardia di Finanza, and UK Border Force.
Lifejackets Were Deadly Fakes – Some for Kids
“These lifejackets would only have been used to dupe those paying for crossings into thinking they were safe when they were not,” said Jacque Beer, NCA Regional Head of Investigations. “Some of them were in children’s sizes, again showing the callous nature of those involved.”
Beer added that tackling organised immigration crime remains a top NCA priority. The dangerous maritime equipment supplied to gangs puts countless lives at risk, showing no regard for the people smuggled across the Channel.
NCA Cracks Down on People Smuggling Gangs
The NCA is currently running about 70 investigations targeting top crime groups involved in people smuggling. A major focus is cutting off the supply of unsafe equipment like these fake lifejackets, which threaten lives at sea.
This latest seizure is a clear warning to smuggling networks: dangerous goods that endanger human lives will not get through.
