New Delhi, Feb 17 (IANS): The Indian Navy has unearthed a sea smuggling route of gold after intercepting a Sri Lankan boat and nabbing the crew members.

"During an aerial surveillance sortie by a helicopter from Naval Air Station in Ramnad intercepted a Sri Lankan fibre boat attempting to rendezvous with an Indian fishing trawler within Indian Waters off Dhanushkodi in Tamil Nadu on February 15, 2020," the Indian Navy said.

The surveillance helicopter suspected that the boats were engaged in some illegal activities. The naval helicopter then escorted the suspicious Sri Lankan boat toward lands end where it was handed over to local authorities for further investigation.

On February 16, 2020, during the interrogation and inquiry by 'Q' Branch CID along with Marine Police and Customs Department, Ramnad, it was found that the apprehended Sri Lankan boat was illegally carrying 3.5 kg of gold which was confiscated.

"The boat crew members were handed over to local police for further probe," said Indian Navy.