Many are called but few are chosen!

Six held for attempting to enter Canada illegally

Six people are being held in Newfoundland for allegedly trying to enter Canada illegally. Police say the accused were traveling on forged passports, and were attempting to enter the country on a cruise ship.

It was at least the third such scheme at Atlantic Canadian ports in recent weeks.

An investigation has revealed the six detained passengers are Chinese nationals, but were posing as Koreans.

The investigation is a joint effort of the RCMP, national security intelligence, The Canada Border Services Agency, and marine security officers.

The case is similar to an attempt by four Chinese nationals who tried to disembark the cruise ship Constellation in Halifax on September 20th. They were also posing as Korean citizens.

The Star Princess became the largest ship to ever dock in St. John's harbour when it arrived on Tuesday. The 109,000 tonne vessel carries 2,500 passengers and 1,100 crew members. The Newfoundland stop was part of an 18-day tour that started in Copenhagen and will end in Fort Lauderdale.

In 2001, 9,125 people were removed from Canada, a 4.5 per cent jump over the previous year. Citizenship and Immigration Canada says the rise reflects an increased priority on removals that the agency believes will help curb illegal immigration.

The Immigration and Refugee Protection Act carries maximum penalties of up to life in prison or a one million dollar fine, or both, for those convicted of smuggling 10 or more people. Similar penalties apply to human trafficking. It is also a crime to launder money related to immigrant smuggling or trafficking

Excerpted from a CTV News Report October 5th, 2005 and brought to you by Russell Monsurate AI Vancouver BC, Canada.