Navy retrieves 04kg and 740g of gold from Thorayadi Lagoon in Kalpitiya

A special search operation conducted by the Sri Lanka Navy at Thorayadi Lagoon in Kalpitiya on 06th August 2024, led to the recovery of a parcel weighing 04kg and 740g of gold from the depths of the lagoon. Additionally, the Navy seized a dinghy near Thorayadi beach, which is suspected to have been used for smuggling the package.

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.

Acting on information received, SLNS Vijaya of the Northwestern Naval Command carried out this special operation in Thorayadi Lagoon. The operation led to the recovery of the package containing 04kg and 740g of gold that had been discarded in the lagoon, as well as the seizure of a dinghy near Thorayadi Beach.

It is believed that smugglers might have deliberately sunk the package of gold to evade detection and take them away later.

The package containing 04kg and 740g of gold and the dinghy held in this operation were handed over to the Customs Preventive Office, Katunayake for onward legal proceedings.