Navy recovers large consignment of beedi leaves adrift at sea

The Navy, during a patrol conducted in the sea area of Kareitivu, Puttalam found a large consignment of beedi leaves today (08^th November).

Accordingly, the Western Naval Command, whilst on a patrol in the sea area of Kareitivu, Puttalam has found 3018.80kg of beedi leaves in 52 packages, drifting in waters.

It is believed that the consignment has been set adrift, with the intention of smuggling it to the country later. The stock of beedi leaves was handed over to the Director General of Customs for onward investigation.

In year 2019, the Navy has seized nearly 48,000kg of beedi leaves being attempted to be smuggled to the island on 71 occasions. Accordingly, the Navy will remain to be vigilant on such illegally activities performed by racketeers via sea and will produce those culprits for legal action.