290 Kg Cannabis Bound for Sri Lanka Seized in Tamil Nadu; Two Arrested

Tamil Nadu Police Seize 290 Kg Cannabis Allegedly Bound for Sri Lanka, Two Arrested

Tamil Nadu authorities have seized around 290 kg of cannabis in Ramanathapuram district after police allegedly intercepted a shipment that was being prepared for smuggling to Sri Lanka.

The operation took place near the coastal region of Ramanathapuram, an area located close to the maritime route between India and Sri Lanka. Two young men were arrested in connection with the seizure, according to police information reported by ANI and Asianet Newsable.

290 Kg Cannabis Found Inside Van

Police reportedly received specific information about a possible cross-border cannabis smuggling operation near the Prabhan Walasai beach area.

Following the intelligence input, personnel from the Rameswaram Sub-Divisional Crime Branch conducted searches in the area during the early hours.

At around dawn, officers stopped a van travelling through the area and searched the vehicle. Police said they discovered approximately 290 kilograms of cannabis concealed inside.

Investigators suspect that the cannabis was intended to be transported from the Tamil Nadu coast to Sri Lanka.

Two Men Arrested

Police identified the arrested individuals as P. Dinesh, 24, reportedly from the Ramanathapuram area, and S. Kalanjeeswaran, 22, from an area near Mandapam.

Authorities are investigating how the cannabis reached Ramanathapuram, who supplied the shipment and whether additional people were involved in organising its transportation.

Tamil Nadu Coast and Cross-Border Smuggling

The seizure once again highlights the importance of Tamil Nadu's coastline in law-enforcement operations targeting alleged maritime smuggling.

Ramanathapuram and nearby coastal areas sit relatively close to Sri Lanka, making coastal surveillance an important part of efforts to prevent illegal transportation of narcotics and other goods across the Palk Strait and surrounding waters.

Police investigations will likely focus on determining whether the seized cannabis was part of a larger organised network and identifying the individuals responsible for arranging its movement towards the coast.

Separate Smuggling Attempt Foiled in Thoothukudi

In a separate incident reported from Tamil Nadu, the state's specialised 'Q' Branch Police also intervened in an alleged attempt to illegally transport animals to Sri Lanka.

Police reportedly found eight goats, pigeons packed inside three boxes and an unregistered double-engine fibre boat near Therespuram Anna Colony beach in Thoothukudi district.

Suspects allegedly fled after noticing the police team. Authorities subsequently took the animals and boat into custody and registered a case.

The estimated value of the property seized during that operation was reported to be approximately ₹10 lakh.

Investigation Continues

Authorities are continuing their investigation into both incidents, including attempts to identify other suspects and determine whether the operations were connected to wider cross-border smuggling networks.

The cannabis seizure comes amid continued law-enforcement action against illegal cannabis transportation across India, particularly in regions where road and maritime routes can potentially be used to move large quantities between states or across international borders.

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Source: Asianet Newsable / ANI

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