Navy takes hold of about 2223kg of smuggled Tendu leaves

A search operation conducted by the Sri Lanka Navy in the beach area of Ilanthadiya in Puttalam on 12th September 2023 led to the recovery of about 2223kg of smuggled Tendu leaves.

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 illegal and smuggled items into the island.

In continuation of these efforts, SLNS Thambapanni in the Northwestern Naval Command mounted this search operation at Ilanthadiya Beach on 12th September, where the naval personnel recovered 70 packages of smuggled Tendu leaves. The packages of Tendu leaves weighed around 2223kg and 100g. Moreover, the Navy also took into custody a motor bicycle at the beach, which is suspected to be there to distribute smuggled Tendu leaves.

Meanwhile, the motor bicycle held in this operation was handed over to the Norochcholai Police and the consignment of Tendu leaves has been kept in the naval custody, until it is produced to authorities for onward legal proceedings.