Thoothukudi Q branch police seized 60 bundles of beedi leaves, intended for smuggling to Sri Lanka, in Kayalpattinam in the early hours of Monday.
Acting on a tip off, a Q branch team led by Inspector Vijaya Anitha, was conducting a patrol on the road leading to the seashore opposite to Wavoo Wajeeha Women’s College of Arts and Science in Kayalpattinam. Around 3.15 a.m. on that road, a mini truck which was bringing beedi leaves for the purpose of smuggling was seized. A total of 60 bundles each weighing around 30 kg were seized.
The driver of the vehicle identified as Karpaga Rajeswaran, 40 of Soundarapuram near Sattankulam was detained. Other accused fled the scene along with the fibre boat.
The seized beedi leaves, the cargo vehicle and the accused were handed over to the Thoothukudi customs department.
Further investigations are on.
Published – January 26, 2026 08:35 pm IST
