Summary:
Chennai, Nov 15 (PTI) Over 100 bags containing 2.8 tonne of "tendu" (East Indian ebony) leaves worth Rs 2 crore were seized near the Gulf of Mannar, said the Coast Guard here on Tuesday.
Acting on inputs, the Coast Guard ship "Vajra" intercepted four boats - two belonging to India and the other two to Sri Lanka - off Tamil Nadu coast on Monday.
A check revealed the boats to have been engaged in smuggling of the leaves that are used for "beedis" (leaf-wrapped cigarettes).
The fishermen in the boats belonging to Lanka, upon seeing the Coast Guard, tried to flee but were apprehended near the International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL).
A total of 104 bags was confiscated, a release said.
The four boats were taken to the harbour in Thoothukudi and the fishermen handed over to the authorities concerned for legal action, the release said.