Two drivers have been jailed for attempting to smuggle nearly 50 people out of the UK and into France in the back of lorries earlier this year. Romanian nationals Marius Bajenaru, 44, and Sorin-Costinel Ivan, 46, were both arrested as part of a National Crime Agency (NCA) operation at Dover Port on September 18.

The operation was supported by the Port of Dover Police, Kent Police , and Immigration Enforcement. Bajenaru had 17 people concealed in the back of his Romanian registered panel van, and almost £4,000 in cash in a black plastic bag in the cab.

Ivan had 32 people, mostly Bangladeshi nationals, in the trailer of his HGV. Three bundles of cash totalling £9,950 were found in the cab of his lorry.

Bajenaru made a full confession following interviews with NCA investigators. He adm

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