In separate operations by the Sri Lanka Navy, Police and Police STF, 02 suspects (a man and a woman) were arrested with 1500 foreign cigarettes prepared for sale. The raids took place in Hettiyawaththa, Colombo and Pesalai, Talaimannar on 03rdOctober 2024.
Based on information received by SLNS Rangalla of the Western Naval Command, a search operation was carried out in collaboration with the Foreshore Police in the Hettiyawaththaarea. The operation resulted in the arrest of a suspect at Hettiyawaththa Junction, found in possession of 1,200 foreign cigarettes.
Upon receiving information, SLNS Gajaba of the North Central Naval Command launched a coordinated search operation with the Police STF in Mannar. During the operation in Pesalai, a female suspect was arrested for possession of 300 foreign cigarettes.
The male suspect held in Hettiyawaththa was identified as a resident of Mount Lavinia, aged 70 and the female suspect arrested in Pesalai was identified as a resident of Pesalei, aged 56. The suspects along with foreign fags were handed over to the Foreshore and Pesalai Police stations for legal action.
