Navy takes hold of approx. 600kg of Tendu leaves in Negombo Lagoon

A search operation conducted by the Sri Lanka Navy in the lagoon area of Negombo on 25th March 2024, led to the recovery of approx. 600kg of Tendu leaves from a dinghy. It is suspected that the stock of Tendu leaves has been smuggled through the lagoon.

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

In continuation of these efforts, the search operation was mounted by SLNS Kelani in the Western Naval Command. After searching a suspicious dinghy in the Negombo Lagoon, naval personnel recovered 22 sacks of Tendu leaves weighing about 600kg. Accordingly, the stock of Tendu leaves and the dinghy were taken into naval custody.

The consignment of Tendu leaves and the dinghy will be handed over to the Excise Station – Negombo for onward legal action.