PEOPLE smuggling gangs who exploit vulnerable people for financial gain could see their criminal enterprises dismantled more swiftly thanks to a £3.23m funding boost for extra prosecutors.

The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) has been allocated extra funds by Government to increase capacity for work on the Border Security Command. The money will allow CPS to recruit additional staff in the areas at the front line of combatting organised immigration crime.

A man who co-ordinated a multi-million-pound fake medicines operation, including counterfeit versions of the powerful anti-anxiety pill Xanax, has today (Wednesday 27 March 2025) been jailed for eight years.

Brian Pitts – 30 of Bilston – pleaded guilty at a previous hearing to conspiracy to supply Class C controlled drugs; breaching a trade mark for a medication, exporting class C controlled drugs; and laundering the proceeds of crime.

The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) and Northamptonshire Police have issued a joint statement regarding the investigation into the death of Harshita Brella in November 2024.

Samantha Shallow from the Crown Prosecution Service said: “The Crown Prosecution Service has reviewed a file of evidence submitted by the Northamptonshire Police, and has authorised a charge of murder against 23-year-old Pankaj Lamba in relation to Harshita Brella’s death.

Frank Ferguson, Head of the Crown Prosecution Service Special Crime and Counter Terrorism Division, said: “We have authorised Humberside Police to charge a Russian national in relation to a collision involving two vessels in the North Sea off the east coast of England. 

“The Portuguese-registered cargo ship, the Solong, collided with the American-registered oil tanker, the Stena Immaculate, just before 10am on Monday, 10 March 2025. 

“Filipino national Mark Angelo Pernia, 38, died.