Navy nabs 13 in Talaimannar, foils illegal migration bid

The Navy apprehended 13 persons who were suspected to be attempting to migrate to a foreign country illegally by sea. The arrests were made during a search operation carried out in seas off Sand Banks, Talaimannar on Friday morning.

The Navy has been conducting regular search operations and patrols covering the sea and coastal areas around the country to stop illegal activities. During a special operation mounted by a team of Navy Marines off Sand Banks, Talaimannar on Friday morning, a group of individuals were approached and interrogated. Subsequently, it was found that they were staying there until the arrival of a boat to leave the country. Among the suspects are three males and four females above 18 years of age and six persons below 18 years of age.The suspects were identified as residents of Vavuniya, Trincomalee and Morawewa and they were handed over to the Talaimannar Police for onward legal proceedings.