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OtherTirunelveli SP inspects coastal check posts amid smuggling shift
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Superintendent of Police Vishwesh Balasubramaniam Shastri inspected check posts along the Tirunelveli coastline on Thursday night as part of 'Operation Sagar Kavach', an annual coastal security exercise. The inspection comes as smugglers, facing intensified patrolling between Vembar and Periyathazhai on the Thoothukudi coast, are shifting their operations to the Tirunelveli coastline by luring local fishermen. Smuggled items include beedi leaves, medicines, pesticides, turmeric, and essential commodities destined for Sri Lanka. The SP visited check posts at Koodankulam, Kottapuli, and Kavalkinar, reviewed vehicle inspection records and suspicious movement logs, and interacted with personnel. He instructed police to conduct random vehicle checks and intensify night-time patrolling to counter the emerging smuggling threat.
Source report
Updated - July 24, 2026 08:30 pm IST | TIRUNELVELI
The Hindu Bureau
Superintendent of Police Vishwesh Balasubramaniam Shastri inspected check posts along the coastline of Tirunelveli district on Thursday night, as "Operation Sagar Kavach" continues.
Background
Smuggling of beedi leaves, medicines, pesticides, turmeric, and essential commodities from the porous Thoothukudi coast to Sri Lanka by boat has become increasingly difficult due to intensified patrolling between Vembar and Periyathazhai. In response, smugglers are gradually shifting their operations to the coastline within Tirunelveli district by luring local fishermen.
Inspection Details
As part of the annual exercise to strengthen coastal security arrangements, Mr. Vishwesh visited check posts at:
- Koodankulam
- Kottapuli
- Kavalkinar
During the visit, he:
- Reviewed records maintained at these points, including the number of vehicles checked and any suspicious movements of vehicles or persons
- Interacted with police personnel guarding the check posts
- Instructed personnel to conduct random vehicle checks and intensify the exercise during night hours
Security Measures
Check posts near the Tirunelveli coastline are being reinforced with additional police personnel to counter the shifting smuggling activities.
Published - July 24, 2026 08:23 pm IST
Source
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Tirunelveli SP inspects coastal check posts amid smuggling shift