The smuggling is being done from India on the pretext of engaging in fisheries activities.

As a preventive measure, the Customs has decided to set up a marine unit, which will patrol these sea areas with the assistance of the Navy.

This unit, for which officials will be trained soon, will be stationed at Jaffna, Trincomalee, Mannar and Sinnapadu.

A total of gold worth Rs. 145 million had been smuggled into to the country this year.