Police arrested 13 persons preparing to illegally travel to Australia by boat and one person for providing refuge to them, following a raid carried out at a residence in Thummodara.

The arrested suspects are said to be from Mullaitivu, Vavuniya and Pudukuduirippu areas and are to be produced at the Marawila Magistrate’s Court today.

Wennappuwa Police is conducting further investigations.