Naval forces conducting a coastal operation in the Kalpitiya district have seized a significant cache of smuggled spices, including dried ginger and cardamom husks, marking another enforcement action against illegal imports.
The Sri Lanka Navy has intercepted 333 kilograms of illicit spices during a search operation conducted in the Baththalangunduwa area of Kalpitiya on August 23. The haul consisted of 264 kilograms of dried ginger and 69 kilograms of cardamom husks, according to reports from the Northwestern Naval Command.
Personnel attached to SLNS Vijaya, operating under the Northwestern Naval Command, discovered the contraband during routine inspections in the Sinnagunduwa coastal region. The operation involved examining 13 suspicious sacks that had been found in the area, which ultimately yielded the smuggled spices.
Following the seizure, the recovered goods were transferred to local authorities for further investigation and legal proceedings. The Kalpitiya Police have assumed responsibility for handling the case, which is expected to lead to formal charges related to smuggling violations. The operation underscores ongoing efforts by naval authorities to monitor coastal areas and prevent illegal movement of goods into Sri Lankan territory.
