Navy apprehends suspect with 1287kg of smuggled Kendu leaves in Kalpitiya

A search operation conducted by the Sri Lanka Navy in the Mampuri area, Kalpitiya in the wee hours of 04 Apr 25 led to the apprehension of a suspect (01) attempting to smuggle approximately 1,287 kg of Kendu leaves by a lorry.

The Sri Lanka Navy conducts special coastal patrols and search operations to curb the smuggling of illegal items into the country.

In a continued crackdown, a team of Navy Marines from SLNS Vijaya, under the Northwestern Naval Command, intercepted the suspicious lorry during the search operation in the Mampuri area. The inspection uncovered 36 sacks of smuggled Kendu leaves, weighing approximately 1,287kg, prepared for illegal distribution. Additionally, naval personnel apprehended the suspect linked to the smuggling racket.

The suspect held in this operation was identified as a resident of Kottukachchiya area, aged 46. The suspect together with the consignment of Kendu leaves and the lorry were handed over to the Excise Special Unit in Puttalam for onward legal action.