Navy seizes more turmeric smuggled from India

Naval operations conducted at Norochcholai and on Wella Island in Kalpitiya on Aug 29 led to the recovery of about 1,428 kilos of dried turmeric smuggled into the country by sea.

The Navy apprehended two suspects with a stock of dried turmeric in 26 gunny bags in the Norochcholai area. A lorry and a car used by the suspects for the smuggling racket were also taken into custody.

Following interrogation of the two suspects, the Navy was able to apprehend four others with a dinghy which is believed to have been used to smuggle in the stock of turmeric, at Thoraiadi Pier in Kalpitiya.

Acting on information received from the four suspects, the Navy found 18 more sacks stuffed with dry turmeric which had been hidden at the Wella Island in Kalpitiya, after being smuggled into the country by sea.

 The Navy found 294 kilos of dried turmeric in 12 sacks, hidden on the Ippantivu Island in Kalpitiya.

The entire operation led to the recovery of about 1,428 kilos of dried turmeric, a dinghy, a car and a lorry apart from the six suspects held by the Navy.

The suspects have been identified as residents of Kalpitiya and Kotiyakumbura areas, aged between 20 and 44.

The suspects along with the recovered items were handed over to the Kalpitiya Police for onward investigation.

The Navy has so far seized about 3,861 kilos of dried turmeric during naval operations in Thalvupadu, South Bar in Mannar, Nadukuda, Arippu, Talaimannar, Ettalai in Puttalam, Norochcholai and Kalpitiya from Aug 21.

The naval operations carried out from 28th July up to now have led to recovery of a staggering 12,270 kilos of dried turmeric smuggled into the country. Further, 25 suspects involved in turmeric rackets have also been nabbed during these operations.