Navy intercepts Indian dhow with 2689kg of Tendu leaves and 03 Indian nationals in northwestern seas

A special operation conducted by the Sri Lanka Navy off the Kudiramalei Point of northwestern seas, south of Mannar on 12th August 2024, led to the interception of an Indian dhow trespassing onto the Sri Lankan waters, with 2689kg (wet weight) of Tendu leaves. The operation also resulted in the apprehension of 03 Indian nationals in connection to the incident.

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.

As an extension of these efforts, the special operation was mounted off the Kudiramalei Point of northwestern seas by deploying a Fast Attack Craft of the Western Naval Command on the evening of 12th August. Upon interception of the suspected Indian dhow in Sri Lankan waters, naval personnel recovered about 2689kg (wet weight) of Tendu leaves in 80 packages. Accordingly, the consignment of Tendu leaves, the dhow and 03 Indian nationals aboard were taken into the naval custody.

The suspects held in this operation, along with the stock of Tendu leaves and the dhow will be handed over to authorities for onward legal action.

Including the recent apprehension, the Navy and Coast Guard have seized 37,619kg of smuggled Tendu leaves and apprehend 32 suspects during operations conducted this far in 2024 and handed them over to law enforcement authorities for legal action.