A trio who smuggled people in small boats from France and Belgium to Kent have been jailed for a total of 13 years.

The group used Joss Bay in Broadstairs as a drop-off point for refugees on October 8 and October 23 2022.

They were spotted by a coastguard helicopter, prompting an investigation from the National Crime Agency (NCA).

It was found that one of the men – Jetmir Myrtaj, from Albania – used a false identity to moor the boat at a Marina in Essex.

Another, 47-year-old Aylesbury resident Desmond Rice, bought a second vessel for more than £22,000, which he and Shenaj, 49, from Nottingham, picked up from Poole.

GPS tracking was used to prove that the vessel had been to Belgium and then traveled back to the UK, while cell site data showed Albanians Koldian Shenaj and Banet Tershana were in the Essex area when the boat returned.

A kayak supplied by one of the group was intercepted near Nieuwpoort after NCA officers – tipped off by the Belgium police force – lay in wait.

Two men were arrested, and it was found that 12 migrants – including a woman and child – were waiting to board.

The kayak only had six life jackets, none of which were suitable for use at sea. Those arrested are being prosecuted in Belgium.

Albanian nationals Banet Tershana, Klodian Shenaj, Jetmir Myrtaj and British national Desmond Rice were taken into custody after the investigation.

All pleaded guilty to conspiracy to assist unlawful immigration in court.

Tershana received five years imprisonment, Rice received four years six months imprisonment and Shenaj received four years nine months imprisonment at the same court today

Myrtaj is due to be sentenced on August 29.

NCA Branch Commander Derek Evans said: “Our investigators worked tirelessly to identify members of this people smuggling network and take action before they could arrange any more dangerous crossings.

“Tershana was the organiser, and financier collecting payment from migrants, Shenaj was the conduit between mainland Europe-based facilitators and the UK, and Myrtaj and Rice were integral to facilitating the crossings.

“Tackling organised immigration crime is a priority for the NCA, and we will continue to target people smugglers both in the UK and overseas.”