A group of 26 people accused of running a large scale people smuggling racket have been arrested and remanded by the Criminal Investigations Department. The suspects are reported to have illegally transported several individuals including LTTE terrorists to Australia in ships.
The CID had uncovered information regarding the smuggling racket when a group of 140 people, ready to travel in boats to Australia from Matara had been arrested and questioned.
The CID had informed court that the smugglers have been operating for awhile and that they have helped asylum seekers from the North East areas and LTTE terrorists travel to Australia in boats.
Furthermore the Colombo Magistrate’s Court has ordered that the 26 suspects be remanded until September 16.
