Navy apprehends 06 suspects with 145kg of dried turmeric attempted to be smuggled in Udappuwa

A search operation conducted by the Navy in the beach and sea areas of Karukapane, Udappuwa on 13 Apr 25 led to the seizure of about 145kg of dried turmeric, attempted to be smuggled into the country. During these operations, the Navy also apprehended 06 suspects in connection to the act of smuggling.

Remaining ever alert, the Sri Lanka Navy conducts patrols and search operations in the coastal areas of the island to prevent the influx of a wide range of illegal items via sea routes.

As an extension of these efforts, SLNS Thambapanni in the Northwestern Naval Command mounted the search operation in the beach and sea areas of Karukapane, leading to the seizure of 03 sacks of smuggled dried turmeric from a suspicious dinghy. Along with the stock of dried turmeric weighing approx. 145kg, 04 suspects were also taken into naval custody. In addition, the Navy also held 02 more suspects and 02 motorbikes in connection to the smuggling racket.

The 06 suspects held in these operations were identified as residents of Bangadeniya, Vaikkala and Kalpitiya areas, from 22 to 52 years of age. The suspects together with seized dried turmeric, the dinghy and vehicles were handed over to the Customs Preventive Office, Katunayake for onward legal proceedings.