Navy seizes over 235kg consignment of smuggled dried turmeric at Oluthuduwai beach

Sri Lanka Navy managed to seize over 235kg consignment of smuggled dried turmeric, during a special operation conducted in Oluthuduwai beach area, Mannar on 21st August 2021.

During this special operation, SLNS Gajaba in the North Central Naval Command recovered the consignment unloaded at the Oluthuduwai beach in a smuggling attempt. The 07 sacks recovered at the beach included dried turmeric weighing over 235kg, which was subsequently taken into naval custody, together with a handcart that is believed to have brought to the scene to transport the contraband. It is believed that the smugglers might have left behind the stock being unable to smuggle them in, as a result of continuous search operations and patrols conducted by the Navy in this area.

The operation was conducted adhering to COVID-19 protocols in force following the pandemic situation. Meanwhile, the seized stock of dried turmeric and the handcart are kept in naval custody, until they are produced for onward legal proceedings.