In a well-coordinated operation carried out close to mid-night on 06th January 2012, Sri Lanka Navy foiled another major human smuggling racket. The Navy with the assistance of the Criminal Investigation Department arrested 22 persons attempting to flee the country seeking illegal entry into Australia. The main operative involved was also taken into custody and investigations are underway to trace the rest.
The arrest was made at Rakawa in Tangalle on reliable information received. The provisions made ready for the illegal journey were too taken into custody at the rendezvous point. Search operations are under way to track down the vessel which was to take the arrested group onboard for the escapade.
Over the recent years vigilant SLN troops have foiled several illegal human smuggling attempts targeting Australia as destination. Sri Lankans are reminded not to fall into traps laid by human traffickers and take hazardous risks at seeking illegal entry into Australia.