A Sri Lankan suspect wanted by Interpol for human smuggling and drug related crimes has been arrested Chennai Airport, Indian media reports.


The suspect, in the Interpol wanted list for 7 years, is a resident of Trincomalee and suspected of being the head of an illegal human smuggling ring.


Interpol had informed India’s Central Intelligence Bureau (CIB) regarding the criminal, Joseph Canute Siripalan Peris, as he was a frequent visitor to the country.


Therefore the CIB had proceeded to provide police in all airports in India with information regarding Peris.


He was arrested by police today (June 26) morning while attempting to board a plane to Sri Lanka and was subsequently handed over to the CIB, reports state.


It is said that Peris is the mastermind behind an international racket illegally smuggling people using forged passports and other illegal means.


The Interpol website states that an arrest warrant has been issued by the Avissawella Magistrate seeking his apprehension.