Six arrested while set to illegally migrate to Australia

Sandasen MARASINGHE

Police yesterday arrested six persons in the latest swoop on persons attempting to illegally migrate to Australia. The six youths were taken into custody on a tip-off around 1am yesterday while they gathered inside a building in Aliyagala, Karungalacholai in Kalkuda.

Police Spokesman SP Ajith Rohana said the suspects were preparing to leave the country for Australia illegally.

He said investigations were in progress to identify the kingpin of this human smuggling racket.

Police said the suspects were aged between 18 and 34 years. The suspects had clothes, water and dry rations required for a few days in their possession.

The suspects were questioned by Kalkuda Police led by acting OIC IP Nilantha.

The suspects were to be produced before the Valachchenai magistrate. Navy Spokesman Commander Kosala Warnakulasuriya said the Navy is vigilant in suspected areas to prevent illegal migration.

Warnakulasuriya said those who want to join smugglers leave our shores illegally.

He said the Navy is vigilant to thwart attempts of these illegal migrants and it was able to make a large number arrests during the past few months.