U.S. prosecutors are seeking tougher sentences for three Tamil-Canadians who were caught by the FBI trying to buy anti-aircraft missiles and other weapons for the LTTE three years ago.

Toronto residents Suhil Sabaratnam and Thiruthanikan (Thani) Thanigasalam were in court for a sentencing hearing in New York yesterday. Both have pleaded guilty to conspiracy and material support for terrorism and were facing possible sentences of 25 years to life. Two others, Nadarasa Yogarasa, also a Canadian resident, and Sathajhan Sarachandran have pleaded guilty in connection with the undercover FBI sting operation, Canadian media reported.

The proceedings were postponed until Jan. 22 because the prosecutors want heavier sentences. They're arguing that in addition to the current charges, the men's plan to buy the weapons constituted an act of domestic terrorism.

Domestic terrorism, as defined in the Patriot Act, "involves acts dangerous to human life that are a violation of the criminal laws of the United States or of any State."

The defence lawyers insist the illegal arms would not have been used against Americans or in the U.S. and the men's actions should not be considered domestic terrorism.

On Aug. 19, 2006, the men drove from Toronto to Long Island, N.Y. to meet "Vinny," a man they believed was a Mafia arms dealer but was actually an undercover FBI agent.

The agent showed Sabaratnam and Thanigasalam a crate containing a Stinger missile and its firing tube.

After making a call to Tamil Tiger bosses in Sri Lanka, Thanagasalam ordered 10 SA-18 heat-seeking anti-aircraft missiles and launchers, 500 AK-47 assault rifles and other military equipment, the FBI said.

The weapons were to be used by the LTTE to shoot down Kafir aircraft used by the Sri Lanka Air Force, the FBI said.