Navy seizes a dinghy with about 749kg of dried turmeric and nabs 02 suspects in Kalpitiya

A search operation conducted by the Navy in the sea area of Uchchamunai, Kalpitiya this morning (31st July 2024) led to the seizure of a dinghy loaded with smuggled dried turmeric weighing about 749kg and apprehension of 02 suspects.

The Sri Lanka Navy remains ever alert and conducts patrols and search operations in the coastal areas of the island to prevent the influx of illegal items into the country.

As an extension of these efforts, SLNS Vijaya in the Northwestern Naval Command conducted this search operation off Uchchamunai this morning. During the operation, naval personnel inspected a suspicious dinghy and recovered 17 sacks of smuggled dried turmeric weighing about 749kg. Accordingly, the stock of dried turmeric, the dinghy and 02 suspects in connection to the incident were taken into naval custody.

The 02 suspects held in this operation were identified as residents of the Kalpitiya area, aged 23 and 44. Meanwhile, the stock of dried turmeric (749kg), the dinghy and 02 suspects will be handed over to the Customs Preventive Office - Katunayake, for onward legal proceedings.