Australia Sends Strong Message to People Smugglers
Media Release - DPS 53/2002
The jailing of four Sri Lankan people smugglers in Australia this week sends a strong message that Australia is committed to stopping the illegal trafficking of human cargo and will punish those involved in this insidious practise, the Australian Department of Immigration and Multicultural and Indigenous Affairs, said today.
On 30 July 2002 the Perth District Court in Western Australia sentenced the men to 3 ½ to 5 years in jail for people smuggling offences under the Migration Act, following the arrival of a boat on Cocos Islands containing 71 unlawful non-citizens in September last year.
"This outcome is a clear warning to those contemplating similar actions - break Australia's laws and you will pay the price," a departmental spokesperson said.
The spokesperson said that none of the passengers on the boat had set foot on the Australian mainland.
"Australia continues to work closely with other countries to seek solutions to stamp out this trade in human misery.
"Only by working together can we address what is a global
problem."
5 August 2002
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