Navy busts smuggling racket, over 02 kg of gold and 05 suspects held in Mannar

The Sri Lanka Navy successfully dismantled a smuggling racket in the evening of 03rd November 2023, seizing about 02 kg and 150 g of gold, attempted to be smuggled from the country via sea, during a special operation mounted off Oluthuduwai, Mannar. The operation also led to the apprehension of 05 suspects, a dinghy, a motorcycle and a three-wheeler used for this illegal act.

The Navy carries out regular search operations and patrols in the coastal and sea areas around the island, with a view to preventing an assortment of nefarious activities stemming via sea routes.

As an extension of these efforts, SLNS Gajaba in the North Central Command conducted this special operation off Oluthuduwai on the evening of 03rd November and intercepted a suspicious dinghy in the sea area. During further search, about 02 kg and 150 g of gold concealed in the dinghy, suspected to be smuggled from the county, were held with 05 suspects aboard.

After conducting a further search in the beach vicinity, the Navy also seized a three-wheeler and a motorcycle believed to have been utilized in this illicit activity.

The suspects held in this operation were residents of Vankalei and Mannar, from 28 to 56 years of age. The accused along with gold and other vehicles handed over to Customs Preventive Office, Kankasanthurai for onward legal proceedings.