Navy nabs 03 illegal immigrants returning to country along with 02 human traffickers

The Navy, while conducting its routine patrols to prevent illegal activities in Sri Lankan waters, has apprehended five (05) persons plying on a suspicious dinghy in Mannar seas on 20^th October 2019.

Having spotted a suspected dinghy in the sea area north of Mannar, the Navy on patrol has searched the suspicious vessel. During the search, the Navy managed to nab 03 illegal immigrants returning to the country. Further, they have been identified as Sri Lankans. Apart from that, 02 human traffickers who orchestrated this illegal attempt were also apprehended by the Navy. They are residents of Pesalei and Urumalei areas, aged 30 and 34.

Meanwhile, the 03 illegal immigrants returning to the country have been identified as dwellers of Jaffna, and Mannar districts, aged 28, 37 and 49. Upon accompanying the 05 suspects and their vessel to the naval base SLNS Thammanna, they were handed over to the Talaimannar Police for onward legal action.

Further, one of the suspects has been found to be a former Police officer attached to the Pudukuduirippu Police Station who had migrated to India by illegal means some time ago.

Sri Lanka Navy is successfully patrolling the coastal belt of the island and has been able to effectively suppress a large number of illegal activities, including illegal migration attempts by sea.