The Sri Lanka Navy nabbed a suspect who was smuggling a stock of dried turmeric in the beach area of Oluthuduwai, Mannar on July 28.
Sri Lanka Navy has been carrying out regular patrols to ward off possible arrival of individuals infected with coronavirus by sea, and avert illegal activities taking place off the island’s shores.
Accordingly, naval personnel attached to the North Central Naval Command, during a patrol at Oluthuduwai beach, Mannar had interrogated a person who was suspiciously transferring several sacks off a boat. Further investigations revealed that there were 20 sacks containing dried turmeric weighing around 1000 kg. As it was revealed that the turmeric stock had been smuggled into the island by sea, the suspect along with the consignment was detained by the Navy. The importation of turmeric has been banned by the government which has seen the rise of turmeric prices in the local market.
Meanwhile, the seized items were handed over to the Customs Office of Jaffna for legal action. Due to COVID -19 concerns, the detained suspect was produced to the Public Health Inspector of Mannar for quarantine, through the Medical Officer of Health.
