Three suspects with 426kg of smuggled Kendu leaves held in Kalpitiya

A search operation conducted by the Sri Lanka Navy in the sea area of Karuwalakuda and Sinna Arichchai, Kalpitiya on the night of 03 Mar 25 led to the apprehension of 03 suspects for smuggling about 426kg of Kendu leaves. The operation also resulted in the seizure of 02 dinghies used for this illegal act.

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.

In continuation of these efforts, a team of Navy’s Special Boat Squadron (SBS), attached to SLNS Vijaya, carried out this search operation in the sea area of Karuwalakuda and Sinna Arichchai. During the search, the Navy inspected 02 dinghies on suspicion and recovered the stock of Kendu leaves weighing around 426kg, in 14 sacks. Accordingly, the stock of Kendu leaves being smuggled, the 02 dinghies and the 03 suspects in connection to the smuggling racket were taken into naval custody.

The suspects held in this operation were identified as residents of Thoreiadi and Sinnakudirippu in Kalpitiya, from 25 to 43 years of age. Those 03 suspects together with Kendu leaves and dinghies were handed over to the Excise Special Unit of Northwestern Province for onward legal action.