496kg of ginger and 515 pairs of slippers attempted to be smuggled seized in Norochcholei

A search operation conducted by the Navy in the Alankuda sea area of Norochcholei on 01 Feb 25 led to the seizure of about 496kg of dried ginger and 515 pairs of shoes, attempted to be smuggled into the island. The operation also resulted in the apprehension of 02 suspects along with a dinghy.

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.

In continuation of these efforts, the operation was carried out by SLNS Vijaya in the Northwestern Naval Command. The operation resulted in the interception of a suspicious dinghy smuggling 16 sacks of dried ginger, weighing about 496kg and 06 packages which had been stuffed with 515 pairs of slippers. In addition, the Navy also seized the dinghy which was employed for this racket and 02 suspects in connection to that.

The 02 suspects held in this operation were identified as residents of Kalpitiya, aged 33 and 46. The 02 suspects together with seized items will be handed over to the Customs Preventive office, Katunayake for onward legal action.