"We promised to restore order and control to our borders, which means taking on the people smuggling networks behind this deadly trade. 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."
"Seized phones could later be returned but that would depend on the individual circumstances... what's found on that phone. That's for the guys on the ground to make that operational decision."
"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."
New powers allow mobile phones to be seized from illegal migrants without arrest to gather intelligence on smuggling gangs organising small boat crossings. Seizures will begin at the Manston migrant processing centre in Kent with technology on site ready to download data from devices. Officers may require migrants to remove coats and check mouths for SIM cards during searches. Collected information could accelerate investigations into criminal networks. Seized phones may be returned depending on individual circumstances and contents. New offences create penalties up to 14 years for supplying boat engines and up to five years for researching routes or equipment.
Read at www.bbc.com
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