Navy seizes a dinghy with over 1373kg of dried turmeric and nabs 02 suspects in Puttalam

A search operation conducted by the Navy in the beach vicinity of Palliyawasalpadu, Puttalam today (10th July 2024) led to the seizure of a dinghy loaded with smuggled dried turmeric weighing more than 1373kg and apprehension of 02 suspects.

The Sri Lanka Navy remains ever alert and conducts patrols and search operations in the coastal areas of the island to prevent the influx of illegal items.

As an extension of these efforts, SLNS Thambapanni in the Northwestern Naval Command conducted this search operation in the Palliyawasalpadu beach area today. During the operation, naval personnel inspected a suspicious dinghy which arrived on the beach and recovered 44 sacks of dried turmeric weighing about 1373kg and 700g. Accordingly, the stock of dried turmeric, the dinghy and 02 suspects in connection to the incident were taken into naval custody.

The 02 suspects held in this operation were identified as residents of the Kalpitiya area. Meanwhile, the stock of dried turmeric (1373kg and 700g), the dinghy and 02 suspects were handed over to the Puttalam Police for onward legal proceedings.