Joint operation seizes 9000 foreign cigarettes in Wattala

A coordinated search operation conducted by the Sri Lanka Navy and the Police Special Task Force (STF) led to the seizure of about 9000 foreign cigarettes and the arrest of a suspect in Wattala on 17 Feb 26.

Naval personnel from SLNS Gemunu in the Western Naval Command conducted this search in coordination with the Gonahena Police STF, in the Handala area of Wattala. During the search, they inspected a suspicious three-wheeler, revealing a stock of approximately 9000 foreign cigarettes being illegally transported in the vehicle.

The suspect was identified as a 48-year-old resident of the Wattala area. The suspect, together with the stock of cigarettes and the three-wheeler, was handed over to the Wattala Police for onward legal action.