Navy recovers haul of Tendu leaves in Ambalangoda seas

The Navy recovered a haul of Tendu leaves weighing about 118kg (wet weight), adrift in Ambalangoda sea area, during a patrol carried out in the sea area on 05th January 2024.

The Sri Lanka Navy consistently carries out search operations and patrols along the island's coastal and sea areas to deter the smuggling of unauthorized items into the country. As an extension of these efforts, a Fast Attack Craft attached to the Southern Naval Command carried out a patrol in Ambalangoda sea area and recovered 03 suspicious sacks drifting in the sea area on 05th January. During further search, naval personnel found about 118kg and 120g (wet weight) of Tendu leaves in those sacks which were subsequently taken into the naval custody.

It is suspected that smugglers might have abandoned the consignment, being unable to fetch them ashore due to the presence of the Navy in the area. The retrieved stock of Tendu leaves has been kept in the custody of the Navy until they are produced for onward legal action.