Hundreds detained in Northern Ireland in crackdown on people smugglers

Gangs charging 8,000 for illegal travel packages that avoid crossing Channel on small boats

Hundreds of people have been detained in Northern Ireland trying to get into Great Britain by crossing the border from Ireland in an operation aimed at cracking down on people smugglers.

Criminal gangs are charging up to 8,000 for the illegal travel package they present as a safer route to crossing the Channel on small boats , say immigration officials.