Kent Search and Rescue Team in action

They same crime doesn't pay... but Kent rescuers are proof some good can come of it.

Two boats, confiscated by police, are due to be handed over to Kent Search and Rescue today.

They were seized under the Proceeds of Crime Act... but they had a colourful previous life.

One of the two rigid dinghies was stranded in the English Channel when its occupants became stranded.

But when offficers from the Serious and Organised Crime Unit East started investigating, the trail led to a gang of international drugs smugglers.

Five men were jailed for a total of 44 years and it was discovered they had smuggled large quantities cocaine, with a street value of £1.5m, onto Hyth beach in 2008.

Now the boats, which were once used to commit crimes, will form part of the Kent Search and Rescue fleet, where they will serve a much better purpose - helping those who are in danger.