Three (03) Indian nationals apprehended with large consignment of beedi leaves during Navy-Coast Guard operation

During a joint operation conducted by the Sri Lanka Navy and Coast Guard in the seas northwest of the country today (12^th November 2019), 03 Indian nationals had been apprehended with a large consignment of beedi leaves.

Having spotted a suspicious fishing dhow in the seas off Kudiramalai, Kalpitiya by the Navy, a Sri Lanka Coast Guard Ship patrolling in northwestern seas had been directed to intercept the suspicious dhow. After approaching the suspected vessel, it was identified as an Indian dhow trespassed on the island’s territorial waters. During further search, approximately 1000kg of beedi leaves in 33 packages had been recovered and 03 Indian fishers aboard were subsequently taken into custody.

The suspects are at the age of 26. It is believed that the suspects have attempted to smuggle the consignment to the country by boat to hand over it to smugglers operating in the country. The suspects along with the stock of beedi leaves will be handed over to the Colombo Customs for onward investigation. Meanwhile, the Indian fishing dhow was escorted to the naval base SLNS ‘Vijaya’ for further investigation.

Further, Sri Lanka Navy, on several occasions in recent months, intercepted Indian vessels as they trespassed on to Sri Lankan territorial waters. Whit efficient and effective deployment of its available resources, the Navy often receives the assistance of the Sri Lanka Coast Guard for operations carried out to ensure waters of the island free of nefarious activities.

Also, this year alone, the Navy has recovered nearly 50 tons of beedi leaves from operations carried out at sea and on the shore. In addition, the Navy's operations have prevented smugglers from operating their illegal activities and the Navy will continue to remain vigilant to prevent such attempts made by smugglers.