WIREDGOV

A lorry driver has been arrested on suspicion of people smuggling offences following a National Crime Agency-led operation in Kent.

An HGV was stopped by NCA officers, supported by police colleagues, just outside the port of Dover at around 1.30pm yesterday (1 October), as part of an ongoing investigation into organised immigration crime.

In the rear of the trailer officers found four adult male migrants, two Bangladeshis, one Indian and one Egyptian.

They were all suspected of having been in the UK illegally and have been handed to the immigration authorities to be dealt with.

The lorry was booked to sail on a ferry to Calais yesterday.

The driver, a 37-year-old Romanian national is now being questioned of suspicion of attempting to facilitate illegal immigration.

NCA branch commander Andy Noyes yesterday said:

“Criminal groups involved in people smuggling do not care about the safety or wellbeing of those they transport. They just see them as a commodity to be profited from.

“We are determined to do all we can to disrupt their activities.

“In this case four individuals have been prevented from making what was undoubtedly a dangerous journey.

“Our investigation continues.”