Coast Guard Arrests Three Sri Lankans Attempting Illegal Entry into Tamil Nadu
- Coast Guard arrests three Sri Lankans attempting illegal entry.
- Individuals paid Rs 2 lakh for the risky sea crossing.
- All three had prior criminal backgrounds, including drug links.
Coast Guard’s Ongoing Surveillance Efforts Lead to Arrests
Early on Saturday morning, the Indian Coast Guard apprehended three Sri Lankan nationals attempting to illegally enter Tamil Nadu through Dhanushkodi, a notorious region for illegal activities. Among the arrested were two Sinhalese and one Tamil, all of whom had notable criminal records. This operation underscores the ongoing issues related to smuggling and human trafficking in the area, which borders Sri Lanka closely due to its geographic layout.
Details of the Infiltration and Criminal Backgrounds
Upon receiving a tip-off, the Coast Guard ramped up its surveillance operations, deploying hovercrafts to meticulously patrol the narrow sea corridor. The individuals, named Sumith Rolan Fernando and Sahara Gunathilaga, both Sinhalese, along with Kabilan, a Tamil, were intercepted on one of the sand ridges formed in the area at around 4 AM. Authorities learned that they had paid a significant sum of Rs 2 lakh to facilitate their dangerous journey across the sea, hoping to eventually reach Europe from Tamil Nadu.
Implications on Border Security and Drug Issues
It has come to light that Kabilan was previously involved in a drug-related case and is still out on bail. Likewise, it appears that the two Sinhalese individuals are linked to the drug mafia, highlighting a concerning trend of criminal elements attempting to breach borders. Last month, the Sri Lankan Coast Guard had also arrested two other individuals for a similar attempted infiltration, indicating a persistent issue that demands ongoing vigilance from coast guard authorities.
The Indian Coast Guard’s recent operations reflect a crucial commitment to tighten security measures along the Tamil Nadu coast, particularly against illegal infiltrators with criminal backgrounds. The apprehension of the three Sri Lankans highlights a troubling pattern of cross-border crime, especially linked to drug-related activities.
