Thoothukudi Q branch police seized 60 bundles of beedi leaves weighing around 1,800 kg intended for smuggling to Sri Lanka.
Acting on a tip off, the Q branch police team were on a patrol at Pullaveli seashore under the Authoor police jurisdiction. The team noticed a pick-up truck carrying bundles heading towards Pullaveli seashore. When the police attempted to intercept the vehicle, the driver sped away without stopping and drove towards the main road leading to Thoothukudi.
The Q branch team pursued the vehicle and eventually intercepted and stopped the truck near Madathur junction, under Thoothukudi Rural SIPCOT police station limits.
Upon inspection, the police found 60 bundles of beedi leaves, each weighing around 30 kg, concealed inside the vehicle.
The police arrested the pick-up driver identified as A. Mathiyalagan, 39 of Mullakadu and S. Muruga Prasad, 22 of Pottalkadu. They also seized the vehicle and beedi leaves bundles.
The arrested individuals and seized vehicle and goods were handed over to the customs department. Further investigations are under way.
Published – October 31, 2025 09:08 pm IST
