The Navy apprehended 18 Sri Lankans who were on an illegal migration attempt to Australia by boat, in the seas 40 nautical miles off Batticaloa on Monday.
The migrants have left from Valaichchenai onboard a multi-day fishing vessel named 'Blue Star'.
The Navy managed to seize them on a tip-off received by intelligence personnel. The suspects were brought to Trincomalee Harbour.
Subsequently, the personnel were handed over to the Criminal Investigation Department, Maritime Division for investigations.
The Navy warns the public not to be involved in high risk sea-borne migration to Australia based on false information provided by human smugglers and reiterated that such attempts would finally end in arrest.
The Navy also mentioned its strong network of intelligence and regular patrols put in place to nip such illegal migration efforts in the bud as the country is strict with illegal migration attempts.
Add new comment