Navy takes hold of over 1318kg of smuggled Tendu leaves in Mannar

The Navy took hold of about 1318kg and 22g (wet weight) of smuggled Tendu leaves, during separate search operations conducted in the sea areas of Talaimannar and Mannar sea areas on 21st and 22nd September 2024.

During a search operation conducted by SLNS Gajaba of the North Central Naval Command on 21st September at Ndukuda Beach, Talaimannar, approximately 206kg and 500g (wet weight) of Tendu leaves packed in four sacks were found washed ashore. In addition. SLNS Thammanna recovered about 1050kg and 800g (wet weight) of Tendu leaves during separate operations near the Old Pier beach in Talaimannar and Mannar seas. The haul of Tendu leaves which were in 16 sacks and 09 parcels were recovered from the shore and while adrift in waters.

On 22nd September, during a search operation conducted by SLNS Tammanna in the northern waters off Mannar, a sack containing a stock of Tendu leaves, with a wet weight of 60kg and 92g, was retrieved, floating in the sea.

The consignment of Tendu leaves held in these separate operations has been kept in the custody of the Navy until it is handed over to authorities for legal proceedings.