A MAN and a woman have been arrested on suspicion of being part of human trafficking ring in Newport which smuggles European nationals into the UK by hiding them in caravans.
The 32-year-old was apprehended following a morning raid at a house in Commercial Street, Pontymister, as part of a Home Office investigation.
A 66-year-old woman was arrested at the same address later in the day, while a 27-year-old man from the Peckham area London was also arrested.
The male suspect is led out by immigration officers following the morning raid in Pontymister. Picture: Chris Tinsley
The suspected organised crime group is alleged to have transported individuals from Albania and Turkey across Europe and into the UK.
Both suspects arrested on suspicion of assisting illegal immigration and has been detained at Newport Central police station.
The man is believed to be "instrumental" in hiring caravans used to hide immigrants and recruiting couriers and drivers.
A Gwent Police officer loads the suspect into a police van.
David Fairclough, assistant director of the Immigration Enforcement Criminal and Financial Investigation (CFI) team, said: "This organised crime group has a number of cells operating currently, one in London and one in Newport which we've linked.
"Following today's arrest we hope to gain further evidence as part of this ongoing investigation."
Between March and November this year, there have been 13 smuggling attempts into the UK prevented by CFI officers as part of Operation Telire.
A total of 115 Albanian nationals and three Turkish nationals were stopped, and were often found "dangerously" concealed in caravans and campervans.
Mr Fairclough told the Argus that the vast majority of immigrants were males aged anywhere between 20 and 35 but, "disturbingly", women and children had also been found during the operation.
It was also revealed that the illegal entrants had each been made to pay £10,000 to the smugglers for entry into the UK before being forced into work.
David Fairclough, assistant director of the Immigration Enforcement Criminal and Financial Investigation (CFI) team.
"It is modern day slavery, trafficking and exploitation of various forms," said Mr Fairclough.
"Often they don't have that money available so once they are brought into the UK successfully, then they are put to work on very low incomes.
"It can be a variety of work. For the males it would involve construction in forced labour environments.
"For women it can often be sexual exploitation and minors as well, so potentially child sexual exploitation as well."
The operation has also seen three smuggling attempts thwarted by French authorities.
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