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. PTI VIJ NVG KH KH
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