SL fisherman detained in Ramnad

Based on a tip-off, the ‘Q’ Branch police had intensified its patrolling along the coast from Rameswaram to Periyapattinam.

The detainee was identified as S Stephen Sebastian Diaz (36) of Talaimannar in Sri Lanka. A fibre boat bearing registration number ‘OFRPA-5711 PTM’ and named ‘Shanu Baby’ was seized. The boat had a fishing net, a container with sixty litres of kerosene, global positioning system device and a cellphone, sources said.

The seized boat has been kept in Mandapam. Diaz is being interrogated to ascertain whether he is involved in drug trafficking or ferrying refugees from the camp in Ramanathapuram district. The two others who evaded arrest were identified as S Packiam and P Aravind, both of Talaimannar. A search was under way to nab them.