Suspect arrested with smuggled tobacco and medicinal products in Kalpitiya

A coordinated operation by the Sri Lanka Navy and Kalpitiya Police in the Thigali area of Kalpitiya on the night of 11 Aug 25 led to the seizure of over 379kg of Kendu leaves, 6,000 foreign cigarettes, 281,200 medicinal capsules and 1,291 medicinal injections, suspected to have been smuggled into the country. The operation also resulted in the arrest of a suspect in connection to the incident.

The operation was mounted by SLNS Vijaya in the Northwestern Naval Command with the assistance of Kalpitiya Police. Upon search of a house in the locality on suspicion, this massive haul of smuggled items were discovered concealed inside.

The arrested suspect has been identified as a 25-year-old resident of the Etthalai area in Kalpitiya. The smuggled items, along with the suspect, were handed over to the Kalpitiya Police for further legal proceedings.