Public Safety Minister Vic Toews speaks about efforts to prevent human smuggling at a press conference in Vancouver, BC. January 19, 2011.
Credits: CARMINE MARINELLI/QMI AGENCY
Two people have been charged for their alleged involvement with a migrant vessel that brought 429 illegal immigrants to Canada in the summer of 2010.
B.C. RCMP said Kunarobinson Christhurajah and Lesly Jana Emmanuel have each been charged with one count of organizing entry into Canada, contrary to the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act.
It's alleged Christhurajah and Emmanuel were involved with the MV Sun Sea, which brought the immigrants to Canada in Aug. 2010.
Police said the charges are similar to those against Thayakaran Markandu, announced earlier this year. The Sri Lankan national was arrested in France in April.
Christhurajah and Emmanuel were arrested in B.C., police said. They are set to appear in court May 16.
"The investigation into the arrival of the MV Sun Sea and those responsible for the organization of the illegal entry into Canada remains a priority for the RCMP," Supt. Derek Simmonds said in a release about the charges on Tuesday. "RCMP federal investigators continue to work with international partners, the Public Prosecution Service of Canada, and the Canada Border Services Agency to ensure all of the evidence which can be gathered is secured and ready to be presented to the courts."
