A 48-year-old Canadian citizen of Sri Lankan origin was detained by the Q Branch Police for questioning at Kodiakkarai in Nagapattinam district on Tuesday over his purchase of a fibre boat and an outboard motor.

The man, identified as A. Paul, had been staying at a private guest house in Kodiakkarai since Monday evening. Q Branch personnel detained him on Tuesday morning on suspicion and initiated an inquiry.

According to police sources, Paul left Canada on September 23, travelled to Qatar, and arrived at Chennai Airport on September 25. After staying in Chennai for a day, he travelled to Vedaranyam on September 27, where he stayed at a private lodge. He later moved to a private guest house in Kodiakkarai.

He reportedly entered India on a tourist visa and had purchased an outboard motor for ₹1.29 lakh and a fibre boat for ₹50,000. Police seized the boat, the motor, and other items and are questioning him to ascertain the purpose of the purchases.