THE number of illegal immigrants detained at sea ports linking Scotland with Northern Ireland has increased by nearly 75%.
Nearly 300 people were intercepted last year while attempting to use the ports. The statistic was revealed in the Organised Crime Task Force annual report.
The border agency's operation is focused on Belfast International and George Best Belfast City airports, as well as Belfast and Larne seaports.
The UK Border Agency said: "Our enforcement team in Northern Ireland is becoming increasingly effective in dealing with this problem adding to the success they already have at airports."
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