Charge laid in Lankan migrant ship human-smuggling case

An individual allegedly involved in BC's high-profile MV Sun Sea human smuggling case has been formally charged.

Thayakaran Markandu has been charged with 'organizing entry into Canada' as part of the case which saw 492 illegal immigrants land in Canada in August of 2010.

RCMP Supt Derek Simmonds, who heads the BC Federal Border Integrity Programme, said a Canada-wide warrant has been issued for the citizen of Sri Lanka, who lives abroad.

"We are continuing to work with our international law enforcement partners to locate and arrest him," said Simmonds. "Once he is in custody we can begin the process of having him extradited to Canada to stand trial.

"This remains a very active investigation, and we won't rule out the potential for further charges."

RCMP said if Markandu was convicted of organizing entry for 10 or more people, he would face a $1-million fine, life imprisonment, or both.

Canada's Public Safety Minister Vic Toews said the Canadian government encourages immigration, but not queue-jumping.

"The MV Sun Sea is a vivid example of this ongoing challenge," Toews said in a statement. "Canada is a generous and compassionate country that welcomes newcomers. "But no Canadian thinks it's acceptable to abuse our immigration system for financial gain through the despicable crime of human smuggling." Courtesy: The Province