Five held for trying to smuggle materials to Lanka

Five persons, including a Sri Lankan Tamil refugee, were arrested today for attempting to smuggle materials including surgical equipment to Sri Lanka, police said.

The Officials said a Q-Branch police DSP who was on patrol duty near Panaikulam in Ramanathapuram district kept a close watch on two persons who were waiting on a bike.

A van and a mini-lorry carrying the contraband arrived at the spot after some time. But on seeing the Q-branch personnel, the driver of the lorry drove away, police said.

However,the van was detained. On search, it was found to carry some cosmetics,surgical equipment, and 'Bunker' bags, they said.

The Sri Lankan Tamil refugee was arrested for arranging money for the smugglers and staying at Paramakudi,police said.

The van and the bike used by the smugglers had been impounded and a hunt had been launched to seize the mini-lorry, which police suspect carried more contraband, the officials said.

They also seized some cell phones.

Police are maintaining strict vigil in the wake of reports of gangs smuggling materials for the LTTE.

Source: outlookindia.com