In a significant anti-smuggling operation, the Tamil Nadu Q Branch police confiscated beedi leaves valued at around Rs 17 lakh that were reportedly being smuggled to Sri Lanka from the Thoothukudi coast. The seizure took place near Inigo Nagar Beach, with the suspected smugglers managing to escape upon police arrival. The operation was initiated based on specific intelligence received by Q Branch Inspector Vijaya Anitha, indicating a large stockpile of beedi leaves in the Inigo Nagar coastal area for clandestine transportation to Sri Lanka by boat.
A special police team, led by Sub-Inspector Ramachandran and including other officers, conducted a late-night patrol in the South Police Station limits of Thoothukudi City Sub-Division. During the search, the team discovered 18 bundles of beedi leaves, each weighing about 30 kg, hidden in a forested area south of Inigo Nagar Beach. The beedi leaves were found prepared for loading onto a boat destined for Sri Lanka, suggesting careful packing for sea transport.
Despite the presence of suspected smugglers in the vicinity, they managed to evade capture upon noticing the approaching police personnel. Along with the beedi leaves, a cargo vehicle believed to have been used in transporting the contraband to the coastal loading point was also seized. The seized consignment, with an estimated international market value of Rs 17 lakh, will be handed over to the Customs Department for further investigation and legal procedures.
Authorities have initiated an investigation to identify and apprehend those involved in the smuggling network. Efforts are underway to determine the ownership of the seized vehicle and gather intelligence to track the larger syndicate suspected of operating along the Thoothukudi coast. The seizure forms part of the heightened surveillance by the Q Branch and other enforcement agencies to combat cross-border smuggling activities between the Tamil Nadu coast and Sri Lanka. Further inquiries are ongoing to establish the intended recipients of the consignment and ascertain any potential links to an organized smuggling network in the region.
