Synopsis
A special police team in Tiruchendur seized beedi leaves worth Rs 1 crore intended for smuggling to Sri Lanka. The operation involved vehicle inspections and led to the arrest of smugglers. This incident highlights ongoing concerns regarding drug syndicates utilizing sea routes for illegal activities.Key Takeaways
- Police seized 2.4 tonnes of beedi leaves valued at Rs 1 crore.
- Smugglers attempted to flee but were apprehended.
- Investigation reveals ongoing smuggling activities in the region.
- Authorities are on high alert regarding drug syndicates.
- Community engagement is being prioritized to raise awareness.
Chennai, March 17 (NationPress) A dedicated police team in Tiruchendur successfully confiscated 2.4 tonnes of beedi leaf bundles, estimated to be worth Rs 1 crore, which were set for illegal transport to Sri Lanka on Monday, according to an official report.
The Tamil Nadu Special Police ‘Q’ Branch based in Thoothukudi acted on credible intelligence regarding an illicit shipment of beedi leaves being moved from the coastline near Tiruchendur.
In response to the information, law enforcement officers carried out patrols in the coastal region north of Alanthalai village.
During their vehicle inspections, the police stopped a load van that was transporting 990 kg of cut beedi leaves along with 1,470 kg of whole beedi leaves, culminating in a total of 2,460 kg.
The smugglers tried to escape upon noticing the police but were swiftly captured. Additionally, two motorcycles used in the operation were seized.
The confiscated beedi leaves, valued at Rs 1 crore, were subsequently handed over to the Customs Department for further investigation. This incident is not isolated in the area.
On March 9, the Thoothukudi ‘Q’ Branch detained three suspects and seized around 2,000 kg of beedi leaves at Vellapatti Beach.
During a late-night operation, a police team under the leadership of Inspector Vijay Anitha intercepted minivans loaded with beedi leaves, which were intended for smuggling by sea.
The arrested individuals were recognized as T. Mahesh Kumar (28) from Siluvaipatti, T. Mayandi (38) from Siluvaipatti, and A. Antony Joseph (40) from Thalamuthu Nagar.
Authorities also confiscated 68 bundles of beedi leaves, each weighing about 30 kg, along with the vehicles involved in the crime. Ongoing investigations aim to uncover the full extent of the smuggling operation.
Previously, on February 13, 2025, the Thoothukudi ‘Q’ Branch thwarted another smuggling attempt at Veerapandianpattinam near Tiruchendur.
Following intelligence reports, police monitored the coast and discovered a group of men loading parcels onto a fiber boat. As officers drew near, the suspects fled in the boat, abandoning 15 sacks of tamarind (30 kg each), 1 lakh imported cigarette packets, 295 DTH set-top boxes, and 100 smart set-top boxes.
The total value of the goods seized was estimated at Rs 75 lakh.
The Tamil Nadu Police and the Indian Coast Guard are on high alert due to intelligence indicating that drug syndicates might be exploiting sea routes for smuggling narcotics to Sri Lanka.
In a recent operation, the Coast Guard prevented a beedi leaves smuggling attempt, resulting in the arrest of six fishermen.
Moreover, intelligence agencies have alerted authorities about a potential rise in drug smuggling activities along the Tamil Nadu–Sri Lanka corridor, prompting coastal police to enhance patrols and surveillance.
The Superintendent of Police in Thoothukudi has been collaborating with local fishermen to increase awareness regarding the dangers and legal ramifications of drug trafficking.
With the Thoothukudi fishing harbor conducting daily business exceeding Rs 1 crore and over 250 fishing vessels operating in the vicinity, authorities are vigilantly monitoring maritime operations to mitigate illegal smuggling activities.
