Navy seizes over Rs. 50 million worth Kerala cannabis and dried turmeric

A special Naval operation conducted by the Navy in seas off Thondamanaru, North last night led to the seizure of about 168kg and 750g of Kerala cannabis and apprehension of 03 suspects with a dinghy used for the smuggling purpose.

The suspects aboard attempted to throw overboard several sacks from the dinghy and escape from the scene when they noticed the approaching Navy units, Navy said. The Navy intercepted the dinghy and took three suspects aboard into naval custody. 

The sacks contained 168kg and 750g of Kerala cannabis stuffed in 75 packages. Meanwhile, the street value of the seized stock of Kerala cannabis is believed to be over Rs. 50 million.

In a separate incident, three suspects were apprehended in Ippantivu, Kalpitiya after searching a suspicious dinghy at Ippantivu lagoon. The dinghy had been loaded with about 650kg of dried turmeric (in 21 sacks) attempted to be smuggled in by the suspects.

These operations were carried out adhering to the COVID-19 protocols in place due to pandemic concerns and the 03 suspects apprehended during the operation in Thondamanaru are residents of Silawathura and Mamunei, from 21 to 28 years of age. 

The accused along with the stock of Kerala cannabis and the dinghy were handed over to the Kankasanthurai Police for onward legal action, Navy said. 

Meanwhile, the 03 suspects held with the stock of dried turmeric were handed over to the Customs Preventive Office in Sinnapadu, with the consignment of contraband for onward legal proceedings.