5 illegal immigrants and 2 human smugglers held in northern seas
On receipt of information by the Navy, naval personnel onboard a Fast Attack Craft attached to the Northern Naval Command, during routine patrol, intercepted a suspicious dinghy in the northern seas and held 7 persons aboard this morning (03 July).
Having noticed a suspicious boat movement in the sea about 11 nautical miles north of Kankasanthurei, the Navy dispatched the Fast Attack Craft to the location where the suspicious dinghy was plying. Accordingly, the naval personnel held 2 human smugglers engaged in smuggling activities from India to Sri Lanka via sea. Among the other immigrants were 2 women, 2 men and a child.
Subsequently, the apprehended persons were taken to the naval base SLNS Uththara in Kankasanthurei. Having administered their first aid and other medical needs the suspects along with the dinghy were handed over to the Kankesanthurai police for onward legal action.