UK launches illicit immigration, smuggling raid, lead to fifty arrests

(MENAFN) While images of small boats often come to mind when thinking of illegal migration to the UK, authorities say smugglers are also using more common routes, such as ferries between Dublin and Holyhead.

A recent crackdown in Anglesey, home to the UK’s second busiest passenger ferry port after Dover, resulted in 51 arrests of suspected immigration offenders and people smugglers over a three-day operation targeting the Common Travel Area (CTA), where British and Irish citizens can move freely.

Among those caught were three Romanians with previous immigration offences, who were returned after attempting to enter through Holyhead Port. So far this year, more than 220 immigration cases have been recorded at the port, with 177 people refused entry and removed, including the three Romanians, who were forced to leave their car behind.

While reporters were at Holyhead, a Romanian arriving from Dublin was arrested for knowingly breaching a deportation order. Andrei-Marius Tosun admitted the offence and was sentenced to one year in prison; he will be deported afterward.

Authorities noted that individuals sometimes attempt to evade checks via the CTA. Those turned back at major airports such as Heathrow and Gatwick often try to re-enter via alternative routes, including Dublin.

During the crackdown, a Lithuanian man arriving at Belfast International Airport was charged with entering the UK in violation of a deportation order and detained for removal. He had previously been convicted of murder in Lithuania. Meanwhile, the Garda National Immigration Bureau in Ireland searched a house in County Kildare and seized evidence suspected to be linked to organised immigration crime. Investigations are ongoing.

UK Border Force officers also conducted searches at Holyhead Port. A sniffer dog discovered €13,000 (approximately $14,280) in suspected criminal cash hidden in a specially constructed concealment, and more than $36,000 worth of non-duty paid tobacco and cigarettes was seized.

The UK government has drafted new legal powers to strengthen border security and overhaul the asylum and immigration system, amid growing pressure over illegal migration. Since the start of 2025, around 36,000 people have crossed the English Channel in small boats, a 27% increase from the previous year. Despite media attention, these irregular arrivals remain a small fraction of the UK’s overall immigration numbers.

Paul Harvey, a chief immigration officer, said combined operations involving police, Border Force officials, and immigration officers are disrupting organised crime groups attempting to exploit the CTA. Intelligence-led operations in partnership with authorities in Ireland and Albania are targeting people smugglers, while standard port inspections continue.

Harvey added: “There’s absolutely an organised crime element exploiting the Common Travel Area through Holyhead, but also individuals seeking to enter illegally. Smugglers also traffic commodities like drugs, alcohol, and tobacco — and, unfortunately, sometimes people themselves.”

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