Navy apprehends 02 suspects with smuggled stock of soap in Kalpitiya

The Navy apprehended 02 suspects with about 855 bars of soap, attempted to be smuggled in, during a search operation conducted in the Ippanthivu sea area, Kalpitiya on the night of 11 Mar 25. The operation also led to the seizure of a dinghy used for this illegal act.

The Navy conducts regular coastal patrols around the island, launching targeted search operations to combat smuggling by sea. This decisive move aims to shield the nation’s economy from the crippling effects of tax revenue losses caused by illicit trade.

In continuation of these efforts, the search operation was conducted by a group of Special Boat Squadron personnel attached to SLNS Vijaya in the Northwestern Naval Command. During the search operation, naval personnel intercepted a suspicious dinghy in the Ippanthivu sea area and recovered about 855 bars of soap, concealed in plastic containers. Accordingly, the dinghy, 02 suspects in connection with the act of smuggling and the stock of soap were taken into naval custody.

The suspects held in this operation were identified as residents of Wannimundalama, Kalpitiya, from 25 to 38 years of age. The suspects, together with the stock of soap and dinghy were handed over to the Customs Preventive Office, Katunayake for onward legal proceedings.