MADURAI: Enforcement agencies in Sri Lankan have detained four Indian nationals – all from Tamil Nadu – for smuggling turmeric and cardamom to that country on a fishing boat.
Nearly 1,650 kg of turmeric and 150 kg of cardamom were seized from them along with the boat. The value of the seized spices is estimated to be around Rs 5 lakh (Indian rupees).
The detained men have been identified as Ranjith Kumar, 40, of Tuticorin, Santhosh, 42, of Manapad, Loorthu, 42, of Lourthammalpuram and Dharmar, 64, of Pamban. Inquiries revealed that they set off from Therespuram in Tuticorin on a boat bearing registration number IND TN 12 MO 1794.
They were detained when they crossed the International Maritime Boundary Line and entered Lankan waters.