Nineteen people arrested over cross-Channel people smuggling
A total of 19 people have been arrested in the past two weeks in connection with people smuggling across the English Channel.
The Home Office said the arrests came as French authorities also stopped more than 650 people from making the dangerous crossing.
But despite adverse weather conditions, UK Border Force dealt with another four incidents on Friday leading to the detention of 33 migrants.
Dan O'Mahoney, clandestine Channel threat commander, said: "We are taking action at every step of these dangerous and illegally facilitated journeys to make this route unviable.
"This includes working closely with the French who, since last Saturday, have stopped more than 650 people from making this crossing, seizing boats and equipment and intercepting people inland.
"We are also committed to fixing the asylum system, to make it fairer and firmer, compassionate to those who need help and welcoming people through safe and legal routes."
A Home Office spokesman confirmed that the 19 arrests were for suspected people smuggling and illegal entry.
The perils of crossing the world's busiest shipping lane were laid bare on Sunday morning, when the body of a migrant was tragically found on the French coast.
The man was discovered wearing a life jacket on a beach near Sangatte outside Calais after trying to cross the Channel, authorities said.
