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Page 3 of 8 Nevertheless, a new golden age for smuggling beckons as customs officers withdraw from the coves, marinas and ports on the secluded coastline of The Duchy. Those bringing cocaine from the Caribbean first see land that now has no permanent staff guarding its shores. No drugs have been recorded as seized from vessels in Cornwall for six years. The 21st century has seen a sea change in working practices by HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC), from permanent port staff to mobile ‘intelligence-led’ teams. HMRC insists this way of working gives flexibility and unpredictability to its anti-smuggling operations, and is more effective as a deterrent. A spokeswoman says the new mobile teams can be sent ‘very specifically and cost-effectively’ to where they are needed.  Studying charts of the Cornish coastline on board HM Cutter. Photograph by Kelly Hancock. With so many more pleasure boats sailing from Cornwall, watching them all has become a logistical challenge. Mention has been made of smugglers watching the whereabouts of customs officers on certain days, directing contraband to unguarded ports. A spokesperson for the HMRC said: “Every year HM Revenue and Customs makes record seizures of illegal drugs and smuggled alcohol and tobacco. Much of this valuable work owes its success to intelligence gathered from members of the public and business community.” |
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