The Tamilnadu Coastal Security group has booked cases against ten crew members and 25 security guards of a ship belonging to a US based security company detained off Tuticorin coast for illegally carrying arms. The ten crew members comprise of two Ukranian Guards and eight Indians. Reports say that 31 assault rifles and nearly 5000 rounds of ammunition have been seized from the ship.
The ship has been booked under the provisions of the Arms Act 1956, Essential Commodities Act 1995 and Motor Spirit and High Speed Diesel Order. The Customs Superintendent was requested to seize the weapons and ammunition. No decision has been taken to arrest any of the suspects yet. The Additional Director General of Police of the Coastal Security Group said that the ship had entered the exclusive economic zone without permission.
The Centre has sought a report from the Tamilnadu Government on the detention of the vessel. Tuticorin District Collector made a spot assessment of the ship and said he had submitted his report to the government.