Navy seizes over 1447kg of smuggled Kendu leaves in Negombo

Sri Lanka Navy took hold of over 1447kg of smuggled Kendu leaves, during a special operation carried out in the lagoon and sea area of Negombo on 26th January 2023.

The Navy conducts regular search operations and patrols to prevent the influx of contraband into the island via sea routes.

In a similar effort, two (02) Fast Attack Craft of the 04th Fast Attack Flotilla in the Western Naval Command retrieved 21 suspicious sacks adrift in waters, whilst patrolling off Negombo on 26th January. The sacks were stuffed with Kendu leaves which weighed around 1026kg and 770g (wet weight). It is suspected that the smugglers might have abandoned the stock of contraband due to constant naval operations in the area.

Meanwhile, SLNS Kelani in the Western Naval Command mounted another search operation in the lagoon area of Pitipana in Negombo on 26th January, upon receipt of information to the Navy. The search operation led to the recovery of about 420kg and 900g (wet weight) of Kendu leaves in 13 sacks which had been concealed in a dinghy at the lagoon.

The consignment of Kendu leaves (1447kg and 670g) and the dinghy seized by the Navy were subsequently handed over to the Customs Preventive Office in Katunayake for onward legal action.