Navy takes hold of over 1128kg of smuggled Kendu leaves in Puttalam

The Sri Lanka Navy took hold of a Freezer Truck loaded with over 1128kg of smuggled Kendu leaves, during a special search operation conducted in Mukkuthoduwawa beach area, Puttalam in the dark hours of 13th March 2023. The operation also led to the apprehension of a suspect in connection to the incident. The apprehended suspect, along with the Freezer Truck loaded with Kendu leaves, was handed over to the Customs Preventive Office – Katunayake for onward legal action.

The Navy remains ever alert and conducts regular patrols and search operations in the coastal areas of the island to prevent a wide range of illegal activities taking place via sea routes.

Upon receipt of information by the Navy, this search operation was carried out by Naval Detachment Udappuwa of SLNS Thambapanni in the Northwestern Naval Command. Accordingly, naval personnel searched a suspicious Freezer Truck parked at the Mukkuthoduwawa beach area and recovered the stock of smuggled Kendu leaves which were made ready for transportation. The consignment of Kendu leaves has been stuffed in 36 sacks and it weighed 1128kg and 300g. Accordingly, the contraband item, the Freezer Truck and a suspect in connection to the incident were taken into naval custody.

Moreover, the Navy also seized 20 sacks which had been filled with 503kg of coriander and 04 more sacks stuffed with 99 kg 100 g of dry chilli, from the vehicle. It is suspected that these items have also been smuggled so as Kendu leaves.

The suspect held in this operation is a resident of Negombo, aged 31. The suspect together with the Freezer Truck and smuggled items were handed over to the Customs Preventive Office – Katunayake for onward legal action.