Ministry of Defence - Sri Lanka

SLN seized over 8700 kilos of dried turmeric attempted to be smuggled by northwestern sea

January 11, 2021

The Sri Lanka Navy’s (SLN) Northwestern Naval Command captured over 8700 kilos of smuggled dried turmeric and nabbed 12 foreign nationals, during a special operation conducted recently, the SLN said.

The SLN Northwestern Naval Command has spotted two dhows in Sri Lankan waters off the Kudiramalei Point on 08 Jan and during the search, seized the smuggled turmeric stock in 173 sacks, the SLN also said.

Along with the stock, 12 foreign nationals from 19 to 70 years of age aboard and 02 dhows were also held by the SLN.

All these operations were carried out, adhering to safety guidelines stipulated for the prevention of COVID-19.

Meanwhile, the remaining stocks of dried turmeric and suspects were handed over to the Customs Office of Katunayake for investigations.

The Indian dhows seized during the operation are detained with the SLN, until they are handed over for onward investigation, SLN also said.