The Coast Guard on Friday night apprehended 11 Sri Lankan fishermen on two trawlers, who were found fishing inside the Indian Maritime Boundary.
Police sources said the fishermen had entered the Indian waters a few days ago and were in possession of two tonnes of fish.
The Coast Guard intercepted the boats 120 nautical miles off the coast of Pulicat.
Eleven fishermen were rounded up, and a search of the trawlers revealed a large catch. The foreigners had a free run of Indian waters as deep-sea fishing is banned for Indian fisherman till May-end, the sources said.
Coast Guard personnel alerted the police and brought the fishermen and the boats to Chennai Harbour.
The men, whose identities are yet to be known, are likely to be remanded in judicial custody on Sunday, the sources added.
