Sat Jun 28 14:39:04 UTC 2025: **Summary:**
Indian Marine Police in Thoothukudi, Tamil Nadu, seized 2,000 kg of beedi leaves intended for smuggling to Sri Lanka. An unregistered fiber boat containing 43 bundles of the leaves was discovered during a patrol. Suspects fled the scene, and authorities are investigating their identities.
**News Article:**
**Indian Marine Police Foil Beedi Leaf Smuggling Operation to Sri Lanka**
**THOOTHUKUDI, INDIA – June 28, 2025** – Indian Marine Police have intercepted a significant smuggling attempt in Thoothukudi, seizing approximately 2,000 kg of beedi leaves destined for Sri Lanka. The operation took place along the Therespuram seashore during a routine patrol on Friday night.
A team led by Marine Police Inspector Pechimuthu discovered an unregistered fiber boat containing 43 bundles of beedi leaves. Preliminary investigations indicate that a smuggling ring was planning to transport the illicit cargo across the Palk Strait to Sri Lanka.
Upon the arrival of the police patrol, the suspects abandoned the boat and fled the scene. Authorities have seized both the boat and the beedi leaves and have initiated an investigation to identify and apprehend those involved in the smuggling operation. The case highlights ongoing efforts to combat cross-border smuggling activities in the region.
First Piper 