TWO illegal immigrants were caught trying to enter the country at Poole Port during a police crackdown on security.

The National Crime Agency, Border Force and Dorset Police were carrying out checks at ports, airports and marinas in Dorset.

It was part of a weeklong operation which saw every single vessel to enter the port at Poole searched.

During the searches two illegal immigrants were found on a freight cargo vessel on Saturday (Oct1).

Assistant Chief Constable David Lewis, who was the strategic commander of the operation, said they were both believed to be Albanian.

Describing them as "economic migrants" he said: "They are claiming to be under the age of 18 and are currently in the hands of Border Force for processing,."

Operation Vedika saw around 40 additional Dorset Police officers take part in a crackdown on port security which resulted in every passenger ferry and freight vessel searched as it arrived into port.

Nine people were searched for drugs. Two arrests were made however neither was for a drug offence.

During the operation 100 per cent of planes that flew into Bournemouth Airport were also searched - but nothing was found.

Speaking during a briefing about the operation yesterday ACC Lewis said he was pleased how the operation had gone.

"From our perspective an intelligence led approach is effective and we would encourage the local community to continue providing the police with information," he added.