Canada concerned that migrant ship could be carrying Tamil Tigers

Canada concerned about migrant ship

TORONTO — Canada’s top security official says he’s concerned a ship carrying asylum seekers from Sri Lanka could be carrying members of a terrorist organization.

Public Safety Minister Vic Toews said Monday they have concerns the ship could be carrying members of Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam, a terrorist group outlawed in Canada since 2006.

The Thai cargo ship — the MV Sun Sea — is expected to reach Canada as soon as this week.

Toews is being briefed regularly but declined to provide further details. He says it is imperative that Canada prevent terrorist organizations from abusing the refugee system.

Sri Lanka’s civil war ended in May 2009 after a massive government operation against the Tigers.