The Newshound

Border Force seizes 25 migrant dinghies hidden in air freight at East Midlands Airport — enough to carry 1,700 across the Channel

From the Newshound archive · first published 6 October 2026 · last updated 7 October 2026.

One of the 25 large inflatable boats seized by the National Crime Agency at East Midlands Airport, each capable of carrying dozens of migrants across the Channel.
One of the 25 large inflatable boats seized by the National Crime Agency at East Midlands Airport, each capable of carrying dozens of migrants across the Channel.
Pallets of shrink-wrapped inflatable boats intercepted at East Midlands Airport — the first large seizure of small-boat equipment ever caught arriving in the UK by air freight.
Pallets of shrink-wrapped inflatable boats intercepted at East Midlands Airport — the first large seizure of small-boat equipment ever caught arriving in the UK by air freight.
A deflated small boat from the haul, part of a second major seizure this year after a near-identical July operation at Felixstowe netted 25 boats and engines.
A deflated small boat from the haul, part of a second major seizure this year after a near-identical July operation at Felixstowe netted 25 boats and engines.
One of the seized inflatable boats, each with a capacity of around 70 people — giving the full haul a combined potential of roughly 1,700 Channel crossings.
One of the seized inflatable boats, each with a capacity of around 70 people — giving the full haul a combined potential of roughly 1,700 Channel crossings.

The National Crime Agency and Border Force halted a shipment of 25 inflatable dinghies, each able to hold around 70 people, after intelligence flagged the vessels hidden inside pallets on an air-freight consignment travelling from Turkey to the Netherlands. Officers moved in on October 2 as the cargo transited East Midlands Airport's freight hub. The seizure is the first time smuggling equipment of this kind — boats intended for Channel crossings — has been found arriving in the UK via air freight.

The 25 nine-metre craft could between them have carried up to 1,700 migrants across the Channel, making the single operation equivalent to preventing that many crossings outright.

It is the second major haul this year — in July, 25 boats and 25 engines were intercepted at Felixstowe port from a maritime consignment en route to Germany.

NCA Deputy Director Craig Turner said the crackdowns are "driving up the cost" for criminal gangs and "eating into the profits" of smuggling networks.

MoreThe TimesSmall boats shipment ‘for 1,700 migrants’ seized at Midlands airportDaily MailBoats that can carry up to 1,700 illegal immigrants are seized in UKGB NewsMigrant dinghies capable of smuggling 1,700 people seized at British airport
Read today's full feed at The Newshound →