Colombo, Feb 24 (NIA) – Sri Lankan authorities, on Friday, arrested 18 Sri Lankans who were attempting to flee illegally to New Zealand by boat.
The navy media unit said that the group was arrested following a joint raid carried out by the Sri Lanka Navy and Police.
The group of suspects were arrested in Kuttaduwa area, Negombo, just outside the capital. They were handed over to the police for onward legal action.
“The Navy warns the general public not to involve in high risk sea-borne migration to overseas countries based on false information provided by human smugglers,” a statement by the navy said.
The Navy further warned that such attempts would finally end up in suspects being behind bars.
“Further the Navy reminds of its strong network of intelligence and regular patrols put in place to nip such illegal migration efforts in the bud as the country is very strict with illegal migration attempts.”
