Navy apprehends 02 suspects with 1000 foreign cigarettes made ready to sell illegally

The Navy apprehended 02 suspects with about 1000 foreign cigarettes made ready to sell illegally, during a special search operation carried out in Thavulpadu area in Mannar on 21st February 2023.

The Sri Lanka Navy remains ever alert and conducts regular search operations to prevent various forms of smuggling activities being carried out in coastal regions of the island. In a similar effort, SLNS Gajaba in the North Central Naval Command made this apprehension upon receipt of information to the Navy. Thus, naval personnel engaged in this special operation searched a retail shop in Thavulpadu area on 21st February and nabbed 02 suspects with about 1000 foreign cigarettes made ready to sell in the outlet.

The suspects held in this operation were identified as residents of Kurunegala and Mannar areas, aged 23 and 63. The 02 suspects along with illegal foreign cigarettes were handed over to the Mannar Police for onward legal action.