Navy apprehends 02 suspects with smuggled dried sea cucumber and contraband items in Kalpitiya

A search operation conducted by the Sri Lanka Navy and Police in Roddapadu beach area, Kalpitiya on 19th May 2023, led to the apprehension of 02 suspects with about 603kg of dried sea cucumber and 11520 shampoo packets (6ml each) hidden in a house.

The Navy carries out regular search operations and patrols in the coastal and sea areas around the island, with a view to preventing nefarious acts and the influx of contraband items in to the country.

As an extension of these efforts, SLNS Vijaya in the Northwestern Naval Command and Kalpitiya Police searched a suspicious house in the locality, during a search operation in Roddapadu beach area. The search led to the apprehension of about 603kg of dried sea cucumber and 11520 shampoo packets (6ml each), believed to be smuggled. The raiding party also held 02 suspects in connection to the incident.

The 02 suspects along with the items seized during this operation were handed over to the Customs Preventive Office in Katunayake for onward legal action.