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A counter-terror policy that allows the United Kingdom government to seize mobile phones from illegal migrants without arresting them has been activated.
According t0 the government, the new policy will aid in gathering intelligence on smuggling gangs organising small boat crossings to the UK.
The Home Office also disclosed that officers would be able to demand that migrants remove their coats to search for phones and also check their mouths for SIM cards.
Speaking on the development, the National Crime Agency said the information collected could speed up investigations into smuggling gangs.
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“We promised to restore order and control to our borders, which means taking on the people smuggling networks behind this deadly trade,” Border security minister, Alex Norris stated.
“That is exactly why we are implementing robust new laws with powerful offences to intercept, disrupt and dismantle these vile gangs faster than ever before and cut off their supply chains,” he added.
Also commenting on the new policy, Minister for Migration and Citizenship, Mike Tapp shared that seized phones could be returned depending on the individual circumstance.
“If people have devices… that could hold intelligence, then we are right to be able to seize that. But that doesn’t take away compassion,” Tapp noted.
