Another haul of beedi leaves recovered during naval operation

Naval personnel, during a search conducted at the beach of Thalpadu in Mannar on 21^st July 2019, apprehended 05 suspects with a haul of beedi leaves.

A group of naval personnel attached to the North Central Naval Command, whilst conducting a search at the beach of Thalpadu apprehended 05 persons with 32 packages containing 1006.9kg of beedi leaves. The suspects have been identified as residents of Pesalei and Irukkalampiddi areas, aged 27,34,36,39 and 41. It is believed that the suspects might have attempted to smuggle the stock of beedi leaves into the country via sea. The 05 suspects along with the stock of beedi leaves were handed over to the Jaffna Customs for onward action.

The Sri Lanka Navy being a force playing a pivotal role in curbing illegal activities around the clock, had seized over 24,000kg of beedi leaves thus far in year 2019.