Navy arrests five suspects attempting to smuggle 2.15 kgs of gold in Mannar

MANNAR (Daily Mirror): During an operation off Oluthuduwai, Mannar, the Sri Lanka Navy arrested five individuals attempting to smuggle 2.15 kgs of gold out of the country by sea.

Alongside the suspects, the Navy also seized a dinghy, a motorcycle and a three-wheeler that were utilized in this illicit operation.

The Navy said they conduct routine search operations and patrols along the nation's coastal and maritime regions to deter a variety of unlawful activities conducted through sea routes.

During a specialized operation carried out by the SLNS Gajaba in the North Central Command off Oluthuduwai, a suspicious dinghy was intercepted in the sea area. Subsequent searches led to the discovery of the gold and the apprehension of the suspects.

The arrested suspects, aged between 28 and 56 and from Vankalei and Mannar, were handed over, together with the confiscated gold and vehicles, to the Customs Preventive Office in Kankasanthurai for further legal proceedings.