Facial recognition drones are to be deployed in the Channel to catch migrant smugglers driving the small boats. Military-grade cameras that can identify faces up to half a mile away are now being trialed by Border Force. The radar-enabled technology will be able to spot targets even if they have altered their outfit or appearance. Smugglers can be convicted of assisting unlawful immigration - an offence that can carry a sentence of life imprisonment. Smugglers took advantage of the improved weather in northern France to launch at least five boats following a week of zero crossings.

Source: Daily Mail April 06, 2026 18:22 UTC