Ten arrested while attempting to leave country illegally

The Navy apprehended 10 persons suspected of attempting to flee to a foreign country, illegally, during a special operation conducted in the seas off Kurusapadu, Talaimannar, on Tuesday (16) night.

The Navy has been conducting regular operations and patrols, covering the sea and coastal areas around the island, with the aim of tackling illegal migration, and other forms of unlawful activities. In a similar operation, the Inshore Patrol Craft P 175 of SLNS Buwaneka, in the North Central Naval Command, intercepted a suspicious dinghy in the sea area, of Kurusapadu, on Tuesday night. Upon investigation, the Navy apprehended 10 persons who were suspected of attempting to illegally migrate to a foreign country, via sea. Among the apprehended individuals were four males, including two boat operators, and two females, who are over 18 years of age, and four other individuals, below 18 years of age. The Navy also held the dinghy used for this illegal sea voyage.

The suspects were identified as residents of Pesalai, Urumalai, Kilinochchi and Kantale and they were handed over to the Talaimannar Police for legal action.