21.2.2008

Naval troops conducting a mid-night foot patrol, apprehended a large consignment of cement in the Katupalliya Beach area in Pallimunai, Mannar today (21st February 2008).

The troops recovered 80 bags of cement hidden in the beach area. The bags, each bag containing 50 kilograms of cement, had been wrapped in polythene to make them waterproof. They had been set to be smuggled in to the un-liberated areas to be handed over to the LTTE.

LTTE is known to pay large sums of money to the smugglers for much needed cement. These unscrupulous smugglers pay scant regard to the consequences of their acts in a bid to accrue money by hook or crook. LTTE, at present, is in desperate need of cement and building materials to put up fortifications and bunkers.

The vigilance of the naval troops has been able to thwart many smuggling attempts by the terrorists and their cohorts.

Courtesy - Sri Lanka Navy