Navy takes hold of 06 victims of human smuggling off Sand Dunes, Talaimannar

During a search operation in the sea area off Sand Dunes, Talaimannar on 13 Sep 25, the Sri Lanka Navy took hold of six (06) Sri Lankan nationals who were victims of human smuggling and abandonment.

The Navy conducts regular search operations and patrols covering the sea and coastal areas around the island to curb irregular migration and human smuggling.

Acting on credible information received by SLNS Thammanna of the North Central Naval Command, the search was initiated in the Sand Dune sea area of Talaimannar. The operation led to the recovery of the individuals on a remote Sand Dune, where they had been abandoned by human smugglers. The group was found to be suffering from severe dehydration. It was further revealed that the individuals were illegally transported by sea from India and subsequently deserted on Sand Dune - VII.

Those individuals, aged 08 to 56 and residents of Vavuniya, Madhu, and Kokkadicholai, were subsequently handed over to the Talaimannar Police for onward legal proceedings.