Seven people nabbed for attempted illegal immigration

COLOMBO (News 1st) - Sri Lanka Navy apprehended 7 more individuals who were suspected to be attempting to illegally migrate to a foreign country by sea, during a search operation carried out in seas off Sand Banks, Talaimannar recently.

Sri Lanka Navy conducts regular search operations and patrols in the sea and coastal areas around the island to suppress illegal activities. 

During a special operation mounted by SLNS Thammannar in the North Central Naval Command, a group of individuals remaining suspiciously at Sand Banks were approached and interrogated. 

Subsequently, the group of individuals who were suspected to be remaining there expecting the arrival of a boat to illegally migrate from the country was nabbed by the Navy. 

Among the apprehended persons were 02 females above 18 years of age and 05 individuals below 18 years of age.

The suspects held in the operation were identified as residents of Kilinochchi and they were handed over to the Talaimannar Police for onward legal proceedings.

To make a fast buck, human smugglers tend to organize this kind of unethical enterprise using unsafe craft.

As such, the Navy urges the public to refrain from risking their lives by engaging in perilous sea voyages and being victims before the law.