Coast Guard Apprehends Three Sri Lankans Attempting Illegal Entry into Tamil Nadu

• Three Sri Lankan nationals arrested for illegal entry in Tamil Nadu.
• All three individuals have prior criminal records linked to drug activity.
• The group reportedly paid Rs 2 lakh to attempt crossing into India.

Arrest of Three Sri Lankans Infiltrating Tamil Nadu

In a concerning incident that highlights the ongoing issue of illegal infiltration, the Indian Coast Guard has apprehended three Sri Lankans attempting to enter Tamil Nadu by sea. This incident unfolded early Saturday morning near Dhanushkodi, a notorious area known for a variety of smuggling activities due to its close proximity to the Sri Lankan coastline. The arrested individuals include two Sinhalese nationals and one Tamil, all of whom reportedly have criminal records associated with drug trafficking activities.

Details of the Infiltration and Criminal Histories

On the night of their attempted entry, the trio allegedly paid a hefty sum of Rs 2 lakh to facilitate their risky journey across the ocean. They departed from the Pechalai district of Sri Lanka around 9 PM on Friday, eventually reaching a sand ridge by 4 AM the next day. Authorities indicated they had plans to travel further to a European country, aiming to use Tamil Nadu as a launchpad for this illegal migration. According to officials, the individual identified as Kabilan has prior arrests related to drug offenses and is currently out on bail; the two Sinhalese also have connections to the drug mafia.

Coast Guard’s Vigilance and Past Incidents

The Coast Guard’s timely intervention stems from heightened surveillance efforts following a critical tip-off regarding potential illegal crossings in the area. Utilizing hovercrafts and intense monitoring of Dhanushkodi’s sandy landscape, the officials managed to locate the three individuals stranded on the fourth sand ridge—a prime area for such activities. They were transferred to the State Marine Police in Mandapam for further investigation. Moreover, this isn’t an isolated case; earlier, two other infiltrators with similar backgrounds had also been apprehended by the Sri Lankan Coast Guard. The vigilance of the Coast Guard along the Tamil Nadu coast remains essential, especially for regions susceptible to illegal crossings.

The Indian Coast Guard’s recent operation underscores the persistent challenges of illegal immigration and smuggling in and around the Dhanushkodi region. The arrest of three individuals with criminal backgrounds aiming to infiltrate Tamil Nadu highlights the ongoing issues connected to drug trafficking and illegal migration. Moving forward, the Coast Guard will continue to enhance its surveillance measures to prevent such incidents and ensure border security.