The National Crime Agency (NCA) has deployed a record number of officers to combat people smuggling, with nearly 800 now in post. This figure represents more than double the 376 officers dedicated to organised immigration crime at the start of 2025.
The Home Secretary, Shabana Mahmood, announced the increase during a visit to the NCA's headquarters. She stated that the uplift in officers is supported by enhanced capabilities and additional intelligence officers.
These officers, working with international partners, have seized 1,109 small boats or engines since the election. Specialist officers assess this is significantly impacting smugglers' boat and engine supply. The Home Secretary also noted that people smuggler related arrests involving the NCA have surged by 55% in the last year, and overall organised immigration crime arrests are up 74% compared to the previous year.
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak visited the joint command room at Dover's Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre to observe operations guarding the Channel. He met officers from the Maritime and Coastguard Agency, National Crime Agency, and Border Security Command.
NCA Director General of Operations, Rob Jones, highlighted that the agency is making significant headway in combating the threat, including removing smugglers' social media adverts, gathering intelligence, making arrests, and seizing small boat equipment.