SL Navy arrests 6 from TN for smuggling beedi leaves

According to police, aLankan naval ship had spotted the dhow entering its territorial waters after crossing the International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL) fromIndian waters.

Upon a search, 74 packages containing 2379 kg of beedi leaves were found in it. The dhow along with the suspects onboard was subsequently taken into Lankan naval custody. The fishing dhow was later taken to the Sri Lankan naval station ‘SLNS Vijaya’ in Kalpitiya. After interrogation, the seized beedi leave packages were handed over to the Colombo Customs, while the impounded fishing dhow and apprehended Indian nationals were handed over to the police for onward legal action on Tuesday. The arrested fishermen hailed from Thoothukudi district. Their identity was being ascertained, sources added.