By GB News (World News) | Created at 2024-12-22 21:26:16 | Updated at 2024-12-23 02:36:24
5 hours ago
The Home Office is expanding its drone surveillance operations in the Channel, seeking advanced aerial technology capable of capturing prosecution-grade video evidence of people smuggling.
The move marks a significant expansion from previous drone operations, which were limited to scanning the seas.
Ministers are now looking to contract firms to provide enhanced surveillance capabilities as part of a broader intelligence-gathering strategy to combat illegal Channel crossings.
According to contract details, the new drones must be capable of detecting, identifying and classifying a wide range of targets, including people, vehicles and vessels.
The new drones must be capable of detecting, identifying and classifying a wide range of targets
GB News
"These dangerous crossings undermine our border security and threaten lives, while lining the pockets of criminal gangs. This contract will support our mission to secure our borders," the spokesperson added.
The enhanced surveillance measures come as three men were recently convicted for attempted people smuggling across the Channel following a National Crime Agency investigation.
Freddy Lawrence, 57, from Folkestone pleaded guilty to assisting unlawful immigration.
Keith Baigent, 63, also from Folkestone, and Paul Giglia, 64, from Cheriton, were convicted of the same offence in November.
The enhanced surveillance measures come as three men were recently convicted for attempted people smuggling
GB News
All three men are awaiting sentencing, which will take place in the new year.
The expansion of drone surveillance comes as more than 33,000 migrants have illegally crossed the Channel so far this year.
The new technology forms part of the Home Office's broader strategy to strengthen border security and gather evidence against criminal networks.
The enhanced capabilities will support both the prevention of illegal crossings and the prosecution of traffickers, marking a significant shift from traditional sea-scanning operations.
