Navy seizes 1263kg of Tendu leaves and 118kg of mini-cigars with 02 suspects in northwestern seas

A search operation conducted by the Sri Lanka Navy in the Ippanthivu sea area of Kalpitiya on 16th November 2024 led to the seizure of 1263kg (wet weight) of Tendu leaves and 118kg (wet weight) of mini-cigars filled with tobacco flake, attempted to be smuggled into the country. During this operation, the Navy also apprehended 02 suspects and a dinghy which was used for this racket.

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 search operation was mounted by SLNS Vijaya in the Northwestern Naval Command in the Ippanthivu sea area. During this operation, the Navy intercepted a suspicious dinghy and recovered 37 sacks stuffed with 1263kg of Tendu leaves and 03 sacks filled with 118kg of mini-cigars, in their wet condition. The operations also led to the apprehension of 02 suspects and the dinghy which was used to smuggle these consignments into the country.

The suspects held in this operation were identified as residents of Kalpitiya, aged 26 and 36. The suspects along with the stocks of Tendu leaves, mini-cigars and the dinghy will be handed over to the Excise Special Unit of Northwestern Province for onward legal action.