Navy search operations locate further 751.94kg of beedi leaves

Naval personnel attached to the North Central Naval Command found 03 parcels containing beedi leaves during a search carried out at Sand Dunes IV in Mannar on 10^th March. Meanwhile, the Navy launched a special search operation covering the Sand Dunes IV to VII and managed to recover further 16 parcels containing 751.94kg of beedi leaves, floating in the in the sea.

The seized consignment of beedi leaves was handed over to the Jaffna Customs for onward investigation. Racketeers have been making continues effort to smuggle beedi leaves into the island over the last couple of weeks but all to no avail due to permanent vigilance and constant efforts of the Navy. Further, 04 suspects engaged in the racket were also taken into naval custody yesterday. Accordingly, the Navy has seized 3404.21kg of beedi leaves attempted to be smuggled into the island, thus far in year 2019.