Two suspects held with 1266kg of smuggled cardamom in Puttalam

A coordinated operation conducted by the Navy and Police STF in Ettalai, Puttalam on 15th January 2023 led to the apprehension of 02 suspects with 02 cabs loaded with about 1266kg of smuggled cardamom and 40kg of insecticide. The smuggled consignment of cardamom and insecticide has been made ready to be distributed by cabs, when they were arrested.

Sri Lanka Navy remains ever alert and conducts regular search operations and patrols to prevent nefarious activities taking place via sea and coastal areas of the island. As an extension of these efforts, the apprehension was made by SLNS Thambapanni in the Northwestern Naval Command with the assistance of Police STF in Puttalam. The special search operation carried out in Ettalai on 15th January led to the search of 02 suspicious cabs parked at a house in the area. During the search of the vehicles, the raiding party managed to find 38 sacks which were stuffed with about 1266kg of smuggled cardamom and about 40.5kg of insecticide. Thus, the consignment of contraband, the cabs and 02 suspects in connection to the incident were held.

The suspects were identified as residents of the same locality, aged 33 and 41. The accused together with the stock of cardamom, insecticide and 02 cabs were handed over to the Customs Preventive Office, Katunayake for onward legal proceedings.