Navy takes hold of smuggled consignment of Tendu leaves in Wannimundalama Lagoon, Kalpitiya

The Sri Lanka Navy took hold of a dinghy with a consignment of smuggled Tendu leaves during a special operation carried out in Wannimundalama Lagoon area, Kalpitiya on 13th September 2023. The apprehended stock of Tendu leaves weighed around 639kg (wet weight). The Navy also nabbed 02 suspects in connection to the illegal act.

The special operation was mounted by SLNS Vijaya in the Northwestern Naval Command in Wannimundalama Lagoon area on 13th September. The search operation led to the apprehension of a suspicious dinghy which was speeding off towards land. During subsequent search of the dinghy, naval personnel found 19 sacks of Tendu leaves weighing about 639kg (wet weight). As a result, the dinghy, 02 suspects aboard and the stock of Tendu leaves were taken into the naval custody.

Meanwhile, the apprehended suspects were identified as residents of Kalpitiya, aged 23 and 45. The accused along with the stock of Tendu leaves and the dinghy will be handed over to the Katunayake Customs Preventive Office for onward legal action.