Patel vows to go all-out in effort to target people smugglers

PRITI PATEL has vowed to “put whatever resource is necessary” into dismantling people-smuggling after police arrested a gang illegally facilitating Channel crossings.

In an operation last week, 12 properties were raided, 11 people were arrested, £150,000 cash was seized and two vehicles were taken as the authorities clamped down on the gangs organising the dangerous crossings.

Already this year, 3,285 people have taken to the water in France and reached the UK, with a record 180 crossing in 15 boats on July 12.

This week alone, 288 people have made the journey.

The Home Secretary said: “I will not tolerate ruthless criminals looking to

‘We will find you and we will stop at nothing to put you behind bars and strip you of your ill-gotten gains’

break the law by smuggling people into the UK illegally. I will put whatever resource is necessary to dismantle these gangs and stop these dangerous crossings, including going after the groups financing these criminal operations.

“This is a clear message to those behind these reckless crossings. We will find you and we will stop at nothing to put you behind bars and strip you of your ill-gotten gains.”

The joint operation took place in London and Sheffield and was led by Immigration Enforcement Criminal and Financial Investigations. The raids were conducted in conjunction with the Metropolitan Police, the National Crime Agency, Border Force and French law enforcement counterparts.

Ms Patel met Gérald Darmanin, the new French interior minister, two weeks ago. Through a Declaration of Intent, it was agreed that a FrancoBritish Operational Research Unit to combat migrant smuggling will be established.