Navy seizes about 2447kg of smuggled Kendu leaves

Separate operations conducted by the Sri Lanka Navy in Puttalam, Palaviya, Chilaw and Negombo areas on 22nd and 23rd August 2023 led to the seizure and recovery of about 2447kg (wet weight) of smuggled Kendu leaves. During these operations, 01 suspect and 01 lorry in connection to these illegal acts were also taken into custody.

The Sri Lanka Navy conducts regular search operations and patrols in the coastal and sea areas of the island, with a view to prevent the influx of contraband into the island.

In continuation of these efforts, SLNS Thambapanni in the Northwestern Naval Command joined hands with the Sri Lanka Coast Guard and Puttalam STF to carry out a combined search operation in Maikkulam beach area, Chilaw in the dark hours of 22nd August. After searching a suspicious lorry parked at the beach, the raiding party recovered 46 sacks of Kendu leaves, weighing about 1460kg, made ready to be smuggled by the vehicle. Moreover, the lorry and a suspect in connection to the incident were also held during this operation.

Meanwhile, SLNS Kelani in the Western Naval Command recovered about 650kg (wet weight) of Kendu leaves, left behind by smugglers, during a search operation conducted in the beach and sea area of Kammala in Negombo on 22nd August. The consignment of Kendu leaves was in the form of sacks and packages when they were retrieved by naval personnel. In the same vein, SLNS Thambapanni found approx. 337kg (wet weight) of Kendu leaves in 10 packages from the Sinnapadu and Periyapadu beach areas of Puttalam, during separate operations carried out on 22nd and 23rd August.

The suspect held in Maikkulam of Chilaw has been identified as a resident of the same locality, aged 51. The suspect along with the lorry and approx. 1460kg of Kendu leaves was handed over to the Excise Station, Puttalam for onward action. Meanwhile, the consignment of Kendu leaves (about 650kg) held in Kammala, Negombo was handed over to the Katunayake Customs Preventive Office. Further, the stock of Kendu leaves (about 337kg) held in Puttalam has been kept in the naval custody until it is handed over to authorities for onward legal proceedings.