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Kim Emerson reports for CBC TV


Illegal immigrants handcuffed after weapons found
WebPosted Tue Jul 27 09:55:15 1999

VANCOUVER - A group of Chinese illegal immigrants being held in B.C. will be in handcuffs when they appear for detention reviews, after RCMP found concealed weapons among them.

The 123 men and women who are believed to be part of a human smuggling operation, were found aboard a dilapidated ship off Vancouver Island last week. Most are seeking refugee status. Hearings begin Tuesday.

Security officials say they have seized several everyday items which they fear could be used as weapons.

The Mounties say the objects were being concealed by some of those detained at CFB Esquimalt.

Under Canadian law, refugees can only be held for seven days, but immigration officials want to keep most of them in custody. They say they haven't yet been able to confirm their identities.

None of the illegal immigrants had passports or other identification documents when they were taken into custody.


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