People smugglers are "doing it tough" because of the deterrent operations by the RAN and Army in Op Relex, the Maritime Commander, RADM Geoff Smith said last week.

"They have a lot of angry people around them," trying to get to Australia. There have been no SIEVs (suspected illegal entry vessels) since December 20," he said.

The Maritime Commander made his remarks to uniformed and Defence civilian personnel during a "clear lower decks" and medal presentation at Maritime Headquarters, on January 25.

He said the number of vessels carrying suspected illegal immigrants was well below previous years.

"In the previous Christmas seven boats arrived at Ashmore. This year we have had none."

By Graham Davis