The Navy has taken hold of six Sri Lankans who were abandoned in the seas off Talaimannar by human traffickers.

The group was illegally transported by sea from India and subsequently deserted in the sea area off the sand dunes, Talaimannar, the Navy stated. Acting on credible information received by the Sri Lanka Naval Service Thammanna of the North Central Naval Command, a search was carried out in the sand dune sea area of Talaimannar. The operation led to the discovery 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.

The individuals, aged between eight and 56, are residents of Vavuniya, Madhu, and Kokkadicholai. The group has subsequently been handed over to the Talaimannar Police for further legal proceedings.