Thoothukudi Q Branch Police seized around 1,330 kg of beedi leaves in Veerapandiyapattiam on Thursday, intended for smuggling to Sri Lanka.
Acting on a tip off, the Q Branch Police conducted a patrol at Veerapandiyapattinam. During the patrol, at about 25 minutes past 1 a.m. on Thursday, near a timber depot, on the route leading to seashore, the police intercepted a load vehicle. Upon inspection, police found 38 bundles of beedi leaves each weighing approximately 35 kg, which had been transported for the purpose of smuggling to Sri Lanka by boat.
The vehicle driver was identified as Selvam, 27, from Narasanvilai near Athur.
Police seized beedi leaves bundles and the vehicle and detained Selvam.
The seized goods and the driver were handed over to the customs department. Further investigations are on.