The Sri Lanka Navy has apprehended 12 persons who were suspected to have attempted to illegally migrate to a foreign country via sea.
The Navy said the arrests were made during a special operation conducted in the beach area of Oluthuduwai, Mannar on Thursday night (22).
Sri Lanka Navy conducts regular search operations and patrols in coastal as well as sea areas around the island to thwart illegal activities stemming from sea routes.
In a similar operation conducted by SLNS Gajaba in the North Central Naval Command, the suspects were nabbed, whilst they were suspiciously wandering in the Oluthuduwai beach area.
The Navy said among the apprehended persons were 02 males and 03 females over 18 years and 07 more individuals who are below 18 years of age.
The suspects held during the special operation were identified as residents of the Vedithalathiv area. The suspects were handed over to the Mannar Police for onward legal proceedings. (NewsWire)