Navy nabs 02 suspects with smuggled pesticide and spices in Kalpitiya

A search operation mounted by the Navy on 17 Jul 25 in the Ippanthivu sea area, Kalpitiya led to the apprehension of 02 suspects with a stock of pesticide and spices, attempted to be smuggled. The operation also resulted in the seizure of a traditional boat used for this smuggling attempt.

The Sri Lanka Navy maintains constant vigilance, carrying out patrols and search operations along the island's coastline to curb the smuggling of a wide range of items into the island.

As an extension of these operations, SLNS Vijaya in the Northwestern Naval Command intercepted a suspicious traditional boat in the Ippanthivu sea area, leading to the recovery of 07 sacks containing pesticide and 12kg of cardamom. In addition to the smuggled items, the Navy also nabbed 02 suspects in connection to the act of smuggling.

The suspects held in this operation were identified as residents of Kalpitiya, aged 23 and 35. The suspects along with the seized items and the boat were handed over to the Customs Preventive Office in Katunayake for onward legal action.