Tue Jul 08 12:43:10 UTC 2025: Here’s a news article summarizing the information, styled as if from The Hindu:
**The Hindu: Thoothukudi**
**₹40 Lakh Worth of Beedi Leaves Seized En Route to Sri Lanka**
*Thoothukudi, July 8, 2025* – The Q Branch police in Thoothukudi have seized beedi leaves worth ₹40 lakh that were allegedly being smuggled to Sri Lanka. Acting on a tip-off, a team led by Inspector Vijaya Anita patrolled Vivekanandar Colony Beach on Monday night.
The police discovered 40 bundles of beedi leaves, each weighing 30kg, packed in plastic and stacked within a fibreglass boat equipped with two outboard engines. A motorcycle parked nearby was also confiscated.
The seized items, including the beedi leaves, boat, and bike, will be handed over to the Department of Customs after the Q Branch completes its investigation. The incident highlights ongoing efforts to combat the smuggling of banned goods across the Palk Strait.
First Piper 