Small inflatable boats 'set for people smugglers' seized at East Midlands Airport
UK authorities intercepted 25 inflatable boats at East Midlands Airport that were reportedly intended for use by people smugglers. The shipment, originating from Turkey and bound for the Netherlands, marks the first time such equipment has been seized in air freight.
Why it matters
This seizure highlights the evolving tactics of human smuggling networks and the efforts of international law enforcement to disrupt supply chains.
Image source, National Crime Agency Image caption, The boats were identified in pallets on an air freight shipment being moved from Turkey to the Netherlands
Officers have seized 25 inflatable boats reportedly destined to be shipped to cross-Channel people smugglers.
The National Crime Agency (NCA) said the boats - about nine metres in length - were spotted in pallets on an air freight shipment being moved from Turkey to the Netherlands.
The shipment went through a freight hub at East Midlands Airport on the way, allowing NCA and Border Force to intercept on Friday.
NCA officers added this was the second time a large consignment of small boat equipment had been seized in the UK in 2026, but the first time such a detection had been made in air freight.
Image source, National Crime Agency Image caption, The shipment was intercepted on Friday
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