3 fishers held by Sri Lanka for smuggling heroin
Ramanathapuram: Sri Lankan navy on Thursday arrested three fishermen on charges of smuggling heroin. Among them two have been identified as Thalvin Rajan and Levin from Thangachimadam in the district.
Sri Lankan navy personnel attached to Sri Lankan naval station, Barana situated at Mullikulam in North Western Naval Command during their special operation intercepted a fishing craft at Arippu in Sri Lanka. They apprehended the three fishermen and seized 2 kg of heroin from their fishing craft. The arrested men, their fishing boat and heroin were handed over to Colombo police narcotics bureau officials for further investigation, Sri Lankan navy website said.
Marine police sources in Mandapam said they are investigating further to ascertain the identities of the arrested people. The FRP (fibre reinforced plastic) boats are not usually registered in Rameswaram area due to local restrictions. Chandrakumar from Rameswaram had bought it from one Johnson in Alanthalai near Tiruchendur few years ago.
"Chandrakumar had not done any name transfer after buying the boat. The identity of the third person who is an elderly person could not be ascertained even after rigorous investigation. We are investigating further in this case," said a marine police official.
Chandrakumar apparently trusted Levin leaving the boat in his custody.
The boat was in Munthalmunai near Pamban till Wednesday afternoon and they left after that. TNN
The boat was in Munthalmunai near Pamban till Wednesday afternoon and they left after that. TNN
