Watch: Drop in small boats crossings forces smugglers to adapt

A BBC investigation reveals that smuggling gangs in the English Channel are collaborating and using larger 'mega-dinghies' due to a shortage of small boats. This shift follows a significant drop in the number of individual crossings.
Why it matters
The adaptation of smuggling tactics demonstrates the ongoing challenge of border security and the evolving nature of human trafficking operations.
Drop in small boats crossings forces smugglers to adapt Close A BBC investigation has found smuggling gangs are running low on small boats, forcing rival gangs to have to work together to meet demand for crossings.
With crossings at a six-year low, it includes loading more migrants on larger vessels, as the 'mega-dinghies' that were first seen last month.
More on this story: Channel smuggling gangs resort to 'mega-dinghies' as crackdown limits small boat supply
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