Dangerous life jackets for small boat crossings seized

The shipment was discovered on a truck in Zwolle on Monday after Dutch border guards intercepted the shipment.

Some of the confiscated life jackets turned out to be children’s sizes.

According to the NCA, local authorities are now investigating the 23-year-old driver of the truck, who has been arrested on suspicion of people smuggling.

It was added that after purchase the shipment was initially sent to Italy and then transported to the Netherlands.

According to the NCA, the seizure was the result of a joint operation involving Dutch and Italian authorities and British Border Force.

“There is no doubt that this unsuitable equipment was acquired by criminal networks who wanted to use it for small boat crossings,” said Mr Beer, the agency’s regional head of investigations.