Prosecutions and Seizures

Greater Toronto Region

Public Safety Minister Toews and Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism Minister Kenney commend the CBSA and CIC on the removal of Sittampalam Jothiravi

Toronto, Ontario, June 21, 2010 – The Honourable Vic Toews, Minister of Public Safety, and the Honourable Jason Kenney, Minister of Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism, today made the following statement regarding the successful removal from Canada of Mr. Sittampalam Jothiravi, leader of the A.K. Kannan, a violent Tamil street gang. Mr. Sittampalam was removed from Canada under escort by Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) officers.

Mr. Sittampalam was convicted of trafficking in narcotics in 1997 and reported for serious criminality under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act. In 2001, Mr. Sittampalam was arrested as part of Project 1050, a joint CBSA / Toronto Police Service initiative to address street and gang-related violence. He was charged and convicted of a variety of gang-related offences.

"We welcome the news that this violent gang leader has been removed from Canada. Canada will not be a safe haven for those who threaten the safety and security of our country and Canadians. Our government remains steadfast in our commitment to removing violent criminals," said Minister Toews.

Minister Kenney added: "The removal of inadmissible individuals, particularly violent foreign criminals such as Mr. Sittampalam, is key to maintaining the integrity of Canada's immigration system and to protecting those who live in this country lawfully. I applaud the work done by CBSA officials that ultimately resulted in Mr. Sittampalam's removal."

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For media information
Anna Pape
Communications
Canada Border Services Agency
905-803-5366