16 migrants discovered hidden by noodles

Two people have been charged by authorities after the discovery of some 16 illegal immigrants who were concealed in shrimp noodles. A mother and son were found to be attempting to import the Vietnamese nationals who had been huddled together inside a hire van. The van was on its way to Portsmouth by sea onboard the Normandie Express after departing Cherbourg.

Officers from the UK Border Agency along with members of the Hampshire Police last Thursday located the vehicle which was sent back to France the same day with its all 16 of the migrants.

French authorities have subsequently charged mother Christiane Chocat, 51, and her 20-year-old son Benjamin Chocat with attempting to assist unlawful entry to a EU country. The pair has been remanded in custody before a court appearance on Saturday in the Portsmouth Magistrates Court.

The UKBA hailed the arrest as another success in the ongoing fight against people smuggling saying that the latest detection technology for finding people hidden inside of vehicles has helped the authorities.

Portsmouth has been a target for people traffickers due its excellent transport links to the mainland and the fact that is always busy with the potential of a rise in activity in the future. The leader of the Portsmouth City Council, Gerald Vernon-Jackson spoke of understanding the desperation some Vietnamese families have but acknowledged that all groups were obliged by the rules.