The Navy during special operations conducted in the Pichchanikulam area, Silawathura and on Ippanthivu Island in Kalpitiya yesterday morning (August 27) seized 1,599kg of dried turmeric hidden away by smugglers. The operations also led to the apprehension of five suspects and a cab in connection to one of the above incidents.
Accordingly, Sri Lanka Naval Ship (SLNS) Therapuththa in Northwestern Naval Command and Silawathura Police made the detection after searching a house in the Pichchanikulam area. The raiding party to seized 1,141kg of smuggled dried turmeric (in 33 sacks) from the house while arresting five suspects in connection with the racket. A cab believed to be used for the transportation of the contraband was also parked near the location.
In another development, SLNS Vijaya unearthed 458kg of dried turmeric stuffed in 21 sacks buried on Ippanthivu Island in the Kalpitiya Lagoon yesterday.
The suspects aged between 22 and 48 held in Silawathura were identified as residents of Silawathura and Mannar. The accused together with the seized stock of dried turmeric and cab were handed over to the Silawathura Police for further action. Meanwhile, the stock of dried turmeric seized from Ippanthivu Island has been detained in naval custody until it is produced to onward legal proceedings.
by dailynews sri lanka
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