A suspect held with 3000 foreign cigarettes in Colombo

A coordinated operation conducted by the Sri Lanka Navy and Police in Panchikawaththa, Colombo on 29th August 2023 led to the apprehension of a suspect who was transferring 3000 foreign cigarettes by a van for sale.

The Navy often renders its assistance to law enforcement agencies to prevent illegal activities. Upon receipt of information by the Navy, SLNS Rangalla belonging to the Western Naval Command and Foreshore Police Colombo conducted this special search operation in the Panchikawaththa area on the evening of 29th August. During the operation, the raiding party searched a suspicious van and recovered 3000 foreign cigarettes being transferred for sale. Incidentally the van and a suspect in connection to the incident were also held during this operation.

The suspect is a 32-year-old resident of Bloumendhal, Colombo 13. Meanwhile, the suspect together with 3000 foreign cigarettes and the van was handed over to the Foreshore Police Colombo for onward legal action.