Police seize contraband, goods destined for Sri Lanka

Ramanathapuram: The Coastal Security Group (CSG) foiled a massive smuggling attempt in the early hours of Monday, seizing a diverse haul of contraband, including ganja and turmeric, at Mandapam.According to police sources, acting on specific intelligence regarding the movement of illegal goods to Sri Lanka, under the instruction of additional superintendent of police Balakrishnan, a special team intercepted a mini-lorry at T Nagar near Mandapam at around 5am.Police moved in just as the suspects were unloading the cargo into a private warehouse from a vehicle. While the suspects took advantage of the dark and evaded capture, police successfully apprehended the driver and the person who was inside the warehouse.Further police-seized items revealed a massive stockpile intended to be smuggled to Sri Lanka. The haul included 2,080kg of turmeric, 958 cartons of cigarettes, 308kg of coal, 100 bundles of beedis, and 2.2kg of ganja. Additionally, officials recovered 56 litres and 119 packets of pesticides, 10.45kg of cardamom, and 60kg of turmeric powder.The arrested were being interrogated. A manhunt has been launched to track down the individuals who fled the spot. Coastal security has been further intensified across Ramanathapuram district to pre-empt further smuggling attempts during the summer months.