In a search operation, the Navy apprehended three suspects along with a stock of smuggled insecticides, made ready for transportation, in the lagoon area of Anawasala, Kalpitiya, on 2 May. The operation also resulted in the seizure of a lorry set to be used in smuggling insecticides. 

The search operation was mounted by the Sri Lanka Naval Service Vijaya in the Northwestern Naval Command. The stock of insecticides was in 32 sacks. 

The stock of insecticides, the three suspects, and the lorry were handed over to the Customs Preventive Office, Katunayake, for onward legal action.