A joint operation co-ordinated by the Eastern Region Intelligence Unit and involving Norfolk Constabulary, the UK Border Agency (UKBA), the Immigration Crime Team, the UK Human Trafficking Centre, the Gangmasters Licensing Authority (GLA), Inland Revenue and migrant workers’ helpline staff uncovered the exploitation of herb pickers in Thetford this week.

The operation followed a GLA investigation that was extended to include the additional support and expertise from a variety of agencies.

Five multi-agency teams carried out warrants under the Immigration Act to search for suspected illegal immigrants at numerous properties in the Thetford area.

A total of 23 Indian nationals were located and three people have been detained by UKBA for immigration offences and conveyed directly to Harwich for immigration procedures. Five Hungarians and three Polish workers were also found.

A 49-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of facilitating illegal immigrants into the UK and is being held in police custody pending further enquiries. He has also been interviewed by the GLA in relation to possible gangmaster offences.

The operation centred on alleged illegal gangmaster offences and the agencies concentrated on the primary offence of facilitating illegal immigrants in the UK.

Senior investigating officer DCI Mark Lay of the Eastern Region Intelligence Unit said: “This was a joint franchise operation utilising the skills and expertise of partnership agency staff. The operation displays how criminal gangs can be dismantled using the powers and offences of all the agencies.”

Enquiries are currently proceeding and may also involve other businesses connected with the GLA investigation.

Paul Whitehouse, chairman of the GLA, said:

“The operation was a major success with superb co-operation between the agencies involved.”

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