Increased National Crime Agency Presence to Combat People Smuggling
The National Crime Agency (NCA) is witnessing an unprecedented surge in the deployment of officers aimed at tackling the issue of people smuggling, reflecting the government’s commitment to re-establish control over the UK’s borders. The Home Secretary, during a recent visit to the NCA’s headquarters in Stratford, announced that the number of officers has nearly doubled to around 800, a significant increase from the 376 officers recorded at the beginning of 2025. This enhanced workforce is complemented by improved capabilities and additional intelligence personnel, all contributing to a strengthened effort against criminal smuggling networks.
This strategic boost means that an increased number of specialist officers are actively engaged in tracking, apprehending, and prosecuting the criminal organisations responsible for small boat crossings and broader immigration-related crimes. Collaborating with international partners, these officers have successfully seized 1,109 small boats and engines since the last election, a move that experts believe is significantly disrupting the supply chains of the smugglers, thereby raising the costs and difficulties involved in procuring necessary equipment.
Impact of Seizures on Smuggling Operations
Had those seized vessels and engines fallen into the hands of smuggling gangs, they could have facilitated more than 72,000 illegal migrant crossings. The announcement of these developments coincided with the Prime Minister’s visit to the joint command room at Dover’s Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre, where he observed the ongoing operations aimed at safeguarding the Channel.
During this visit, the Prime Minister interacted with personnel from the Maritime and Coastguard Agency, the NCA, and the Border Security Command, who collaborate tirelessly to monitor activity across the Dover Strait. He was briefed on the utilisation of advanced surveillance drones capable of remaining airborne for up to 16 hours, which are instrumental in detecting small boat movements and coordinating responses against the gangs involved. Just last year, the NCA was involved in nearly 300 arrests aimed at disrupting the activities of organisations facilitating illegal migration to the UK.
Significant Funding for Border Security Enhancements
The funding for the new officers is part of a broader allocation of over £280 million directed towards enhancing the capabilities of the Border Security Command. This investment comes at a time when efforts to dismantle smuggling networks are reaching unprecedented levels. Notably, arrests related to people smuggling by the NCA have risen by 55% in the past year, while overall arrests linked to organised immigration crime have increased by 74% compared to the previous year, marking a significant crackdown on immigration-related offences.
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood remarked, “We have more than doubled the number of NCA officers dedicated to tackling immigration crime, aiming to disrupt gangs that profit from illegal small boat crossings.” She highlighted the success achieved so far, including the seizure of over a thousand boats and engines, thousands of criminal arrests, and the prevention of tens of thousands of attempted crossings. “There is more to be done,” she added, “but this government is determined to restore order at our borders.”
Strategic Focus on Smuggling Gangs
Rob Jones, the NCA’s Director General of Operations, emphasised that combating smuggling gangs is a top priority for the agency. He stated that the increase in resources has been pivotal in achieving more arrests, seizures, and overall disruption of the ruthless individuals behind these operations. “This is a global issue,” he noted, “and the NCA possesses unique capabilities both domestically and internationally, which we are now deploying on a larger scale. With the assistance of our national and international partners, we are making substantial progress in tackling this threat, from removing smugglers’ social media advertisements to gathering intelligence and executing arrests.”
Jones conveyed a clear message to the gangs: “The risks associated with transporting individuals in small boats and supplying necessary equipment are escalating daily, and we will relentlessly pursue you, regardless of your location or operational base.”
New Legislation to Deter Smuggling Activities
This comprehensive effort follows a recent operation in Felixstowe, where authorities seized 25 small boats and engines, thwarting up to 2,000 potential illegal crossings. The introduction of a new endangerment offence, instituted under the government’s Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Act 2025, has already resulted in sentences for 10 small boat pilots, amounting to nearly 20 years of combined imprisonment within just two months. This legislative measure serves as a vital new tool in the government’s strategy to bring smuggling gangs to justice and prevent dangerous crossings.
The government’s commitment to disrupting criminal smuggling activities is evident, with reported increases in arrests, convictions, and seizures rising by nearly 50% in the year ending March 2026. Since the last election, almost 70,000 illegal migrants have been removed from the UK, while collaborative efforts with French authorities have successfully intercepted over 46,000 attempted crossings of the Channel.