312.5kg of beedi leaves found during naval operation in northern seas

During a naval operation carried out, naval personnel onboard a Fast Attack Craft attached to the Northern Naval Command found 312.5kg of beedi leaves left behind in the sea area northwest of Analathivu Island today (09^th March).

The stock of beedi leaves had been packed in 06 parcels and it is believed that an attempt was made to smuggle them into the country from India. The consignment was handed over to the Jaffna Customs for onward investigations.

During recent search operations conducted by the Navy on 07th and 08th of this month in the sea area of Pesalei, 1377.15kg of abandoned beedi leaves being taken into naval custody. As such the Navy has seized a total of 1906.15kg of beedi leaves this year and naval personnel are vigilant around the clock to arrest such illegal activities performed by racketeers via sea route.