Wednesday, April 8th saw 28 migrants apprehended by police in the dunes near the Zwin Nature Park in Knokke-Heist, close to the border with the Netherlands. They were in possession of a dinghy, presumably to attempt the crossing to the UK.
A police press release stated:
The activities of people smugglers appear to be gradually spreading across our entire coastline. That is precisely why it is essential that all police services cooperate and communicate effectively.
The European border agency, Frontex, revealed that people smugglers are indeed increasingly turning to the Belgian coast. Spokesperson Chris Borowski said:
The more intensive checks along the French coast are the main factor. As a result, smugglers are looking for alternative routes and turning to quieter beaches in Belgium.
