RCMP close to nabbing organizers of smuggling ring

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RCMP close to nabbing organizers of smuggling ring

The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) believe they're getting closer to nabbing the organizers of the smuggling ring who used the rickety MV Sun Sea to bring 492 Tamil migrants to the coast of B.C. this month.
The Toronto Sun reports that the RCMP suspects the Tamil migrants who arrived in B.C. this month by boat were smuggled to Canada by members of the Tamil Tiger terrorist group to earn funds and bring members to Canada to start a new cell.
"We are looking at possible criminal actions that may have occurred during the voyage and on Canadian waters," said McLaughlin adding, it may take some time before charges are laid in the case.
McLaughlin said the migrants are being interviewed by Canadian police, who are collecting forensic evidence from the ship.
Police and border officers are using satellite imagery to retrace the movements of the ship as it made its way to B.C. from its home base in Thailand. The photos will help police determine the vessel's location at different intervals.
The ship was originally bound for Australia but was turned around by authorities there and set sail to B.C., the Toronto Sun reported.
"There are many facets to this investigation that remains very active," McLaughlin said. "We are working with any agency that could help us stop this criminal activity."
Intelligence reports suggest two more ships "packed" with migrants are on "standby" at an Asian location, awaiting news of the fate of the Sun Sea occupants, Toronto Sun further stated.
"The Sri Lanka High Commission has informed the Canadian government of the threat posed to Canadian national security by accepting bogus asylum seekers," Sri Lankan High commissioner to Canada Chitranganee Wagiswara said.
RCMP Const. Michael McLaughlin also said there's nothing to suggest a second smuggling ship is heading to Canada.