A CRACKDOWN on coastal smuggling has united Northumbria Police and Border Force.
The maritime policing unit partnered with Border Force to crackdown on smuggling and stowaway offences across the North East coastline.
The initiative unites specialist officers with coastal partners to stop flagged vessels believed to be associated with importing illegal people or goods into the UK.
The latest strike day on February 12 saw a vessel from the Netherlands searched in Blyth Harbour.
Border Force checked on-board, immigration officials conducted crew checks, and police marine specialists headed underwater to search for anything untoward.
Officers were satisfied no illicit items or persons were aboard.
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Sergeant Simon Falconer, of Northumbria Police’s maritime policing unit, said: “This latest strike was part of our ongoing commitment to detect and prevent the import of illegal goods coming into ports across the North of England.
“We believe these fleets are looking to smuggle goods – whether it be drugs, cigarettes or sometimes people into the UK illegally. These criminals look to target and take advantage of any perceived security weak spots across the North East coastline.
"This coastline is far from an easy target and alongside our coastal partners we are committed to taking robust, collaborative action against anyone involved in importation or stowaway offences.
“This operation is not a one-off and further activity is planned over the coming weeks and months with Border Force so we can ensure our region remains a safe place to live, work and visit.”
Christina Brown, director of Border Force North Region, added: “Border Force officers work tirelessly to protect our borders on land and at sea, working closely with law enforcement agencies to share intelligence and crack down on criminal gangs profiting from illegal imports and potential stowaways.
“Our joint operation with Northumbria Police’s marine unit is cracking down on those looking to smuggle goods and people to the UK, helping safeguard the local region and the rest of the UK.”
The maritime policing unit has a wide remit, from responding to live incidents on the water to gathering forensic evidence in under-water terrain, plus using specialist diving and search techniques across the North East coastline.
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