A MAN has been charged after allegedly trying to smuggle 14 Albanian migrants into Scotland in a cow truck.
Patrick McKinney, was arrested after border cops stopped a truck at Loch Ryan ferry terminal in Dumfries and Galloway on Wednesday, December 11.
A photo of the raid shows a red and white Topline truck the moment investigators stopped the huge cattle lorry.
An eyewitness said: “It was clear it was a big investigation.”
Irish national McKinney was arrested in connection of allegedly facilitating the illegal entry of 14 Albanian nationals concealed in a livestock wagon in unsafe conditions.
The 23-year-old was charged with 14 counts under section 25 of the Immigration Act and one count of culpable and reckless conduct in connection to the incident.
He remains in custody.
The Home Office said enquiries are still ongoing.
Home Office Criminal and Financial Investigations lead Anthony Hilton said: “Our investigation remains ongoing, and we continue to carry out enquiries at pace.
“We’re doing everything we can to stay ahead of the people smugglers who exploit our borders and put the lives of desperate people on the line for financial gain.”
