The UK’s largest-ever drugs smuggling operation, orchestrated by an international organised crime group (OCG), has been exposed following a groundbreaking National Crime Agency (NCA) investigation. Eighteen members of the OCG, led by Paul Green, 59, have been convicted for their roles in smuggling billions of pounds worth of drugs into the UK. Reporting restrictions were […]
A nationwide crackdown on businesses employing workers illegally has led to a significant rise in arrests, according to new figures released by the Home Office today. Home Office Immigration Enforcement teams have ramped up operations across the UK, targeting sectors like nail bars, supermarkets, construction, and car washes. Between 5 July and 31 October 2024, […]
Members of an organised crime group that attempted to import 1.2 tonnes of cocaine into the UK with the help of a corrupt port security guard have been jailed for a total of more than 74 years following a major National Crime Agency-led operation. The operation took place at Sheerness Port in Kent in December […]
Detection dogs have been used in the UK to successfully identify tree disease helping track down the deadly tree pathogen Phytophthora ramorum. In collaboration with the UK’s Forest Research, Canine Assisted Pest Eradication successfully trained Ivor, a cocker spaniel x labrador, aged six, to identify the highly destructive pathogen. This destructive organism can cause extensive […]
The UK government has unveiled an ambitious target to attract 50 million international visitors annually by 2030, aiming to cement the nation’s status as one of the world’s most visited destinations and boost economic growth. Tourism industry worth £74 billion to the economy and 4% of GVA with a huge potential for further growth to […]
1.3 million pensioner households will start to receive up to £300 in Winter Fuel Payments across England and Wales from Monday 25 November. The vast majority of these payments will land in pensioners’ bank accounts automatically, directly helping vulnerable households with their energy bills. The value of a Winter Fuel Payment is £200 for people […]
A man who organised cross-Channel small boat crossings from his home in Lancashire has been jailed for 17 years after being found guilty of people smuggling charges, following an investigation by the National Crime Agency. Zada custody picAmanj Hasan Zada, aged 34, of Stefano Road in Preston, was today [8 November] convicted following a two-week […]
Starting Monday, 2nd December 2024, the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) will implement revised fees for its DBS checks, reflecting the need to meet rising operational costs. The changes are designed to support DBS in maintaining its high standard of safeguarding services across the UK. Under the new structure, the fees will be as follows: […]
Seven men have been sentenced following their involvement in a large-scale, pre-planned brawl that erupted at a Kabaddi tournament in Derby last August, involving firearms and machetes. The violent clash between two rival groups occurred on 20 August 2023, off Elvaston Lane in Alvaston, leaving multiple people injured and spectators in fear. The altercation, captured […]
Sameer Saeed, a convicted Covid loan fraudster, has sold his BMW and flat to repay the £50,000 he fraudulently secured through the government’s Bounce Back Loan Scheme. Saeed, 44, was handed a suspended prison sentence and banned from serving as a company director in December 2022 after admitting to the fraudulent application for a loan […]