Thoothukudi Q Branch police have seized beedi leaves worth over ₹40 lakh during an operation held at Therespuram in the small hours of Friday.

Acting on a tip off, the search operation was led by Q Branch Inspector Vijaya Anitha at the boat maintenance yard in Therespuram North beach. During the operation, the police found a mini truck loaded with beedi leaves intended for smuggling to Sri Lanka. On spotting the police, the smugglers escaped along with the boat that was to be used for smuggling.

The police seized 42 bundles of beedi leaves, weighing around 1,330 kg, with a market value of over ₹40 lakh. The vehicle used for transporting the bundles was also seized.

The seized bundles and vehicle were handed over to the Customs Department. Further investigations are underway.