A special search operation conducted by the Navy in the sea area off the Baththalangunduwa Island, Kalpitiya on 04th January 2025, led to the interception of a dinghy with 03 suspects who were smuggling about 11kg and 300g of gold.
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 routes.
As an extension of these efforts, a team of Special Boat Squadron attached to SLNS Vijaya was pressed into action, on receipt of information by the Northwestern Naval Command of a gold smuggling racket. Accordingly, naval personnel intercepted the suspicious dinghy off the Baththalangunduwa Island and recovered about 11kg and 300g of gold being smuggled from the country, concealed in the dinghy. The operation also led to the apprehension of 03 suspects in connection to the racket.
The suspects held in this operation were identified as residents of Kalpitiya. Meanwhile, the suspects along with gold will be handed over to the Customs Preventive Office, Katunayake for onward legal action. (Navy)
