At least 25 inflatable boats and 25 outboard engines believed to be destined for people-smuggling networks have been seized at the Port of Felixstowe, the UK Defence Journal understands. Germany has been used as a staging point for boats, engines and related equipment later transported to northern France and Belgium for use by smuggling networks. The NCA said the seizure was believed to be the first interception in the UK of a bulk consignment containing both boats and engines intended for Channel crossings. Small boats used for irregular Channel crossings are frequently overloaded and powered by engines that may be insufficient for the number of people aboard. He added: “It will also have stopped these dangerous boats and under-powered engines being used to put lives at risk in the Channel.”