A new “command and control centre” in Calais is part of a new crackdown on illegal gangs who trying to smuggle migrants across the Channel resulting in fines for lorry drivers and destroyed produce.
Announced by the Home Office, the new centre will be supported by British police who will work with French officers and the UK Border Force. It is part of a new deal between the UK and France to collaborate over the ongoing issue of illegal migration.
The news comes as one Kent packer told FPJ he had seen a video, taken by one of his drivers, that appeared to show an English-speaking gang claiming responsibility for migrant stowaways.
Other measures under the new agreement include extra French police units, and additional security for the Eurotunnel terminal including CCTV, flood lights, infrared detection technology and stronger secturity.The UK government has already spent £7m on new fencing in and around Calais, the Guardian reported.
The area will also see increased numbers of freight search teams with detection dogs, while the Home Office said France and the UK will work together to 'dismantle smuggling networks' and prosecute those responsible.
Keith Vaz, chairman of the home affairs select committee, has warned that closing off one area could see “Calais-like crises” spring up at other ports, and told the Guardian that there is “already evidence of more illegal activity” around Dunkirk, Zeebrugge and the Hook of Holland.
Up to 5,000 migrants are estimated to be in the French port, with at least nine people known to have died trying to make the journey into Britain since June.
