The top border control agency has admitted illegal channel crossings will continue long-term.

Despite efforts to combat the rise in asylum seekers making the dangerous crossing to Kent , the National Crime Agency (NCA) notes that the issue won't be going away soon.

It conceded that there is a constant "cat and mouse" between law enforcement and criminal smuggling operations.

Particularly this year, the number of asylum seekers attempting to enter the country illegally has spiked .

Home Secretary Priti Patel has vowed to make the crossings "unviable", but has not presented a plan to support this.

On Monday and Tuesday, 12 people were arrested in three countries in connection with people making the voyage.

The group had allegedly been buying inflatable boats and engines from Germany and the Netherlands and transporting them to the departure points.

They would then teach the hopeful asylum seekers how the boats worked, charging them thousands for a place in the overloaded craft.

Officers from UK, Belgian, French and Dutch agencies working together seized ten rubber boats and engines, 158 life jackets and 12 vehicles, as well as about £40,000 in cash.

Ms Patel, said: “I want these arrests to send a clear message to the gangs engaged in people smuggling - we are coming for you.

“Law enforcement and judicial partners here and abroad are working together to pursue, catch and prosecute the criminal networks involved in illegal immigration.

“My commitment to solving this problem is absolute.”

In spite of this success, the NCA is aware that asylum seekers will continue to make the treacherous journey.

“I expect it to be here for a while.”

Matthew Long, NCA deputy director, said: “We see organised immigration crime as a continuous threat, enduring, resilient, and it’s shown in recent history in mass fatalities in Purfleet and also the deaths at sea that it’s very dangerous.

"At the heart of this is people, and we shouldn’t lose sight of the fact that criminal groups, organised groups are exploiting and treating humans like a commodity.

“They are making money knowingly from putting them in incredibly life-threatening situations.”

The NCA is currently running more than 40 operations against organised immigration crime, including some at the top of its priority list.

However when asked whether increased arrests and convictions of criminals involved in small boats crossings would eliminate the issue altogether, Mr Long said the route had become “more established”.

He added: “I expect it to be here for a while.”

Read more: All the latest news from Kent