A special search operation carried out by the Navy in the lagoon area of Wattakkalliya, Chilaw yesterday (02) made way for the seizure of 362.95kg of dried turmeric and 571.4kg of big onion seeds which were to be smuggled into the country. The Western Naval Command in coordination with the Sri Lanka Coast Guard and Chilaw Police seized this consignment when it was noticed that sacks were being unloaded from 02 suspicious dinghies that arrived through the lagoon. A search of these sacks led to the discovery of the quantities of turmeric and big onion seeds. Accordingly, the dinghies used to transfer these consignments and 04 suspects in connection to the illegal act were taken into custody. Meanwhile, 02 other persons who arrived at the location to transport the smuggled consignment were also arrested. The small lorry which was to be used for this purpose has also been taken into custody. The 06 accused are residents of Chilaw and Pannala, between the ages of 30 and 50. These 06 individuals, together with the seized turmeric and big onion seeds, 02 dinghies and the lorry were handed over to the Chilaw Police for onward legal action. The Navy stated that it is constantly on the lookout in seas around the island in order to curb smuggling activities and that this operation was carried out while adhering to COVID-19 protocols in force for the prevention of the transmission of the virus.