Navy arrest four with 1,620kg of beedi leaves during raid with STF

 The Navy in collaboration with the STF, arrested four persons with 1620kg of beedi leaves, during a special operation carried out in the sea area off Negombo.  
The Western Naval Command in coordination with the STF had carried out a special operation in the sea area off Negombo and had searched a trawler on suspicion.   

During the search, the security personnel had found 54 packages containing beedi leaves. Subsequently, the trawler was seized along with the 04 suspects on board, the Navy said.  
The suspects, aged between 32 and 63 along with the trawler and the stock of beedi leaves were handed over to the Sri Lanka Customs for further investigation.  

Spokesman for the Navy commented that it had seized more than 55 tonnes of beedi leaves during search operations this year.  

The Navy said they will continue to conduct its operations to prevent such illegal activities in the island’s waters.

the security personnel had found 54 packages containing beedi leaves. Subsequently, the trawler was seized along with the 04 suspects on board