In response to an expected rise in illegal immigration, Devon and Cornwall Police have launched a state-of-the-art patrol boat named Neptune. Funded by the Home Office, this vessel aims to deter people smugglers increasingly targeting the region as enforcement efforts intensify in the English Channel.
So far in 2025, over 34,000 migrants have crossed the Channel on small boats, setting a record for arrivals at this point in the year since data collection began in 2018. With this surge, authorities anticipate criminal organizations shifting their activities toward the Devon and Cornwall coastline.
At the boat’s unveiling in Plymouth, Chief Constable James Vaughan delivered a strong warning to criminals: “Plymouth and our surrounding harbours are not an easy target. If you bring your criminality here, you will likely be caught and face the full force of the criminal justice system. Neptune will be a visible and powerful deterrent.”
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Equipped with advanced marine technology, Neptune features a long-range infrared camera and an underwater drone capable of operating in challenging conditions. Capable of speeds up to 40 knots, the vessel enhances police efforts against a range of maritime threats, including people smuggling and drug trafficking, while improving overall coastal safety.
Neptune gives officers the ability to intercept and board suspicious vessels, directly targeting high-level organized crime groups. Although Devon and Cornwall have seen fewer than 10 organized immigration crime cases over the past two years, intelligence suggests smugglers are increasingly pushing their operations down the south coast, making this proactive measure vital.
Chief Constable Vaughan emphasized the importance of regional collaboration: “The Home Office’s funding helps us work alongside other south coast police forces to tackle this growing threat together.”
With an investment of £350,000 from government funds, Neptune represents a critical component in the Home Office’s broader initiative to disrupt organized crime and dismantle migrant smuggling networks. The launch aligns with Home Secretary Sir Keir Starmer’s commitment to “smash the gangs” responsible for dangerous and illegal crossings.