Police seize illegally-harvested shellfish from gangs of illegal pickers in Southend

Essex Police Marine Unit undated handout photo of some of the shellfish that was seized from gangs of illegal pickers in Southend. Organised criminals who send migrants on to beaches to illegally harvest shellfish could be filling a gap in the market caused by lockdown, a fisheries expert said.
Southend’s Town Centre police team worked with Southend-on-Sea Borough Council Credit: Essex Police

Police have seized more than 810kg of shellfish from gangs of illegal pickers in Essex who it is suspected were being forced to work by organised crime groups.

The haul, confiscated during one week by officers along Southend’s coastline, had an estimated retail value of £11,000. It included oysters, winkles and cockles.

Sergeant James Mint, who leads Southend’s Town Centre Team, said the illegally-harvested shellfish poses a health risk.

Essex Police said officers spoke to 29 pickers and many of them needed help from the charity Justice and Care, which rescues victims from slavery.

Shellfish seized from gangs of illegal pickers in Southend Credit: Essex Police

The local council’s environmental health team and Border Force also worked with police on the joint operation.

Mr Terry added that on top of health problem "there are deep-rooted, modern-day slavery issues with harvesting."