Police foil human smuggling attempt

Christie Fernando, Chilaw special correspondent

Those who were about to embark on the illegal journey. Pictures by Christie Fernando,

Forty four persons, including five women and six children from Jaffna, Killinochchi, Mullaitivu, Kayts, Akkaraipattu and Puttalam who were about to migrate to Australia by a trawler yesterday morning from Kudamaduwella, Thoduwawa in Negombo, were apprehended by Marawila Police.

The person who organized this illegal smuggling attempt, a resident of Negombo and bus and van drivers who had allegedly transported the illegal immigrants from Negombo to Thoduwawa were also taken into custody.

Police took into custody, mobile phones, clothes and food items that were in their possession.

Police investigations revealed that the organizer disclosed that he had charged Rs 900,000 from a person to be illegally taken to Australia. Another party who were expected to join the group of migrants by a trawler, had fled the scene.

The suspects were to be produced before Marawila court.