The Sri Lanka Navy has apprehended 33 individuals who had attempted to illegally migrate to a foreign country via sea.
The suspects had been arrested during a search operation carried out on seas off Negombo this morning (21).
The Navy said the apprehension was made by the Fast Attack Craft P 435 of the 4th Fast Attack Flotilla in the Western Naval Command, after intercepting a suspicious local fishing trawler on seas off Negombo this morning.
In the group of 33 individuals, 19 are males including 04 crew members of the trawler, 09 females, and 05 children. The Navy also held the local multiday fishing trawler used for this illegal sea voyage.
Those who were held, including individuals from 18 to 65 years of age, were identified as residents of Chilaw, Marawila, Trincomalee, Batticaloa, and Ampara areas.
The Sri Lanka Navy said they have been handed over to the Colombo Harbour Police for onward legal action. (NewsWire)