Navy apprehends 04 persons with 1620kg of beedi leaves

The Navy, during a special operation carried out in the sea area off Negombo with the Police, apprehended 04 persons with 1620kg of beedi leaves this morning (18^th November 2019).

Accordingly, the Western Naval Command in coordination with the Police STF carried out a special operation in the sea area off Negombo and had searched a suspicious trawler. During the search, the security personnel had found 54 packages containing beedi leaves. Subsequently, the trawler was seized along with the 04 suspects onboard.

The suspects have been identified as Sri Lankans, aged 32, 52, 58 and 63. The accused along with the trawler and the stock of beedi leaves were handed over to the Sri Lanka Customs in Colombo for onward investigation.

Thus far in year 2019, the Navy has seized over 55 tons of beedi leaves reached Sri Lankan shores, on 79 occasions. During regular naval patrols in waters around the island, the Navy has been able to apprehend a number of people engaged in illegal acts and produce them for legal action. Further, the Navy will continue to conduct its operations to prevent such illegal activities in island’s waters.