Navy seizes approx. 643kg of smuggled Kendu leaves during separate search operations

Separate search operations conducted by the Navy in Talaimannar, Kalpitiya and Negombo sea areas on 26 and 27 Apr 25 led to the seizure of about 643kg and 380g of smuggled Kendu leaves and a dinghy.

The Navy is keeping a close watch on the island's coastline, conducting frequent patrols and search operations to curb illegal activities, especially the smuggling of goods through sea routes.

In continuation of these efforts, SLNS Thammanna in the North Central Naval Command held 94kg and 880g of Kendu leaves in the sea area of Sand Dunes of Talaimannar and SLNS Vijaya in the Northwestern Naval Command seized 150kg of Kendu leaves and a dinghy in the sea area of Kudawa on 26 Apr. In the same vein, SLNS Kelani belonging to the Western Naval command held another consignment of Kendu leaves, weighing 398kg and 500g, in the Negombo Lagoon on 27 Apr. The combined seizures from these operations yielded approximately 643kg and 380g of Kendu leaves, packed in 18 sacks.

The consignments of Kendu leaves and the dinghy held in these operations were handed over to the Excise Department Offices in Mannar and Puttalam and Customs Preventive Office, Katunayake for onward legal action.