Three smugglers held, 34 bags of turmeric seized near Mandapam

After foiling the smuggling bid, Inspector of Police, S. Kanagaraj, Rameshwaram, CSG, said acting on a tip, the operation was done. The police spotted a suspicious van moving at Vethalai near Mandapam. After checking the vehicle, around 1000kg turmeric meant for cooking purposes was found stuffed in 34 gunny bags. Inquiry revealed that the trio, were attempting to smuggle turmeric to Sri Lanka by sea route. Since turmeric, the most preferred edible item, is costlier in Sri Lanka, quantities of turmeric were bought from Erode at just Rs 90 a kilo and transported to Vethalai, where the seizure was made. Besides, the vehicle used for illegally transporting turmeric was also detained. The accused, who have been arrested, were identified as M. Loga Venkatesh (33), Sathaymangalam, Erode, F. Riyas (36) of Vethalai and F. Sakibulla (40) of Vethalai. The accused would be handed to the local police at Mandapam after completing formal procedures, he said.