A search operation conducted by the Navy in the sea area off the Baththalangunduwa Island, Kalpitiya yesterday led to the interception of a dinghy with three suspects who were smuggling around 11 kg of gold.
The Navy said a team of the Special Boat Squadron (SBS) attached to SLNS Vijaya was pressed into action, on receipt of information by the Northwestern Naval Command regarding a gold smuggling racket.
Naval personnel intercepted the suspicious dinghy off Baththalangunduwa Island and recovered about 11 kg of gold being smuggled from the country, concealed in the dinghy. The operation also led to the apprehension of three suspects who have been identified as residents of Kalpitiya.
Meanwhile, the suspects along with gold will be handed over to the Customs Preventive Office, Katunayake for legal action, the Navy said.
