Navy recovers approx. 776kg of smuggled Tendu leaves in Kalpitiya

A search operation conducted by the Sri Lanka Navy in the Kappaladi beach area of Kalpitiya today (24th August 2024) resulted in the recovery of approx. 776kg (wet weight) of Tendu leaves, suspected to have been smuggled into the country.

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 part of these ongoing efforts, SLNS Vijaya in the Northwestern Naval Command carried out this operation in the Kappaladi beach vicinity. During this operation, naval personnel recovered 24 sacks of Tendu leaves weighing about 776kg (wet weight).

It is suspected that the stock of Tendu leaves has been abandoned by smugglers, unable to take them away due to naval presence. The consignment of Tendu leaves has been kept in the safe custody of the Navy until it is handed over to authorities for legal action.