Madurai: Police foiled a suspected attempt to smuggle 19.8kg of hashish worth nearly Rs 40 lakh to Sri Lanka and arrested a 34-year-old history-sheeter near S P Pattinam in Ramanathapuram district on Tuesday.
Around 12.50pm, police intercepted Mano and recovered 2kg of hashish from his possession. After questioning him, the team searched his residence and seized another 17.8kg.
Superintendent of police G Chandeesh said a special team led by inspector David Ravirajan mounted surveillance near Pasiyamman temple beach at Pasipattinam following a tip-off. “The contraband is worth Rs 2 lakh per kg and it would value around 10 lakh Sri Lankan rupees,” the SP said. Police said Mano was booked earlier this year in connection with the seizure of 15kg of ganja by S P Pattinam police.
He had been absconding in that case. A fresh case has been registered under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act.