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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