About 733kg of smuggled Tendu leaves recovered in Kalpitiya

A search operation conducted by the Sri Lanka Navy in the beach area of Mohoththuwaram in Kalpitiya on 01st December 2024, led to the recovery of about 733kg (wet weight) of Tendu leaves. It is believed the consignment of Tendu leaves was smuggled into the country via sea.

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 beach area of Mohoththuwaram on 01st December. During the search, naval personnel recovered 24 suspicious sacks hidden away in the beach vicinity. The sacks had been stuffed with smuggled Tendu leaves, weighing about 733kg in wet condition. Subsequently, the stock was taken into naval custody.

The consignment of Tendu leaves has been kept in the safe custody of the Sri Lanka Navy, until legal proceedings get underway.