WATCH: On board the Border Force vessel patrolling the Ayrshire coast

Drug and alcohol smuggling and modern slavery - just some of the illegal activity a new border force vessel is catching off the coast of Ayrshire.

'Active', based in Troon, was launched in July and operates along the west coast of Scotland.

Head of Border Force Maritime Command, Doug McLellan says, “Its job is to enforce customs regulations and immigration law. We look for incidents of modern slavery, tax fraud, and alcohol and tobacco trafficking.

“There have been many, many cases of drugs trafficking into the West of Scotland. There are very remote parts of coastline. We have had cases as far down as Portpatrick in the South and up into the islands round the top of Scotland.

“I wouldn’t say it’s a popular place for smuggling but we certainly consider it a place where that sort of activity has a high potential to take place.

“The vessel has planned programmes of activity but the great thing about these boats is they can react to situations very, very quickly.

“We ask the communities around Ayrshire to be alert. We have a project called Kracken. Members of the public and boating community often see things that just aren't right. This is a means whereby they can report their concerns and we will be able to act on it."

If you see anything unusual or suspicious you can report it to your local police on 101, or anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 quoting ‘Kraken’.