The Sri Lanka Navy successfully dismantled a smuggling racket in the wee hours of yesterday (12th July 2023), seizing about 08kg and 450g of gold, attempted to be smuggled via sea, during a special operation mounted in Wannimundalama lagoon area, Kalpitiya.

The operation also led to the apprehension of 02 suspects and a dinghy used for this illegal act.

The Navy carries out regular search operations and patrols in the coastal and sea areas around the island, with a view to preventing an assortment of nefarious activities stemming via sea.

As an extension of these efforts, SLNS Vijaya in the Northwestern Naval Command conducted this special operation in Wannimundalama lagoon today. Upon detection of a suspicious dinghy speeding off from the lagoon towards Kalpitiya sea area, the Navy intercepted the dinghy and searched it on suspicion. During the search, about 08kg and 450g of gold, suspected to be smuggled, were recovered in 04 packages which were concealed in the dinghy. Also, 02 suspects in connection to the incident and a dinghy used for the act were held by the Navy.

The suspects held in this operation were residents of Mandalakuda in Kalpitiya, aged 37 and 42. The accused along with gold and the dinghy were handed over to Customs Preventive Office, Katunayake for onward legal proceedings.