Hundreds of ‘dangerous’ lifejackets used on small boat crossings seized – The Irish News

Hundreds of “dangerous” lifejackets used by organised crime groups to smuggle migrants across the English Channel in small boats have been seized, the National Crime Agency (NCA) said.

The NCA said the jackets did not meet British and European safety standards and would have failed in deep water.

Some of the estimated 600 life jackets seized were children’s sizes.

The goods were in a truck that was intercepted in Zwolle on Monday by the Royal Marechaussee.

The truck driver, 23, has been arrested on suspicion of criminal offences related to human trafficking. Dutch authorities are investigating his case.

The cargo was first shipped to Italy and then transported to the Netherlands.

NCA investigators worked with European partners to seize the shipment, with the assistance of UK Border Force.

NCA Regional Head of Investigations Jacque Beer said: “Tackling organised immigration crime remains a priority for the NCA and we seek to disrupt the criminal gangs involved in this in any way we can. This includes tackling their supply of dangerous maritime equipment.

“The seizure was the direct result of NCA working closely with European partners to stop and seize this shipment.

“There is no doubt that this unsuitable equipment was acquired by criminal networks who intended to use it for small boat crossings.

“These life jackets do not meet any safety standards, would not provide any protection in the sea and would only have been used to mislead those paying for the crossing into thinking they were safe when they were not.

“Some were in children’s sizes, which again shows the callousness of those involved.

“Tragically, it is only recently that we have seen that they have no concern about endangering the lives of the people they transport.”