Navy takes hold of smuggled Kendu leaves exceeding 325kg in Negombo

The Navy took hold of about 325kg and 04g (wet weight) of Kendu leaves, attempted to be smuggled in, during a search operation conducted in the Negombo sea area on 07 May 25.

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.

As an extension of these efforts, a team of Special Boat Squadron, deployed by SLNS Kelani in the Western Naval Command made this recovery in the Negombo sea area. Consequently, the naval personnel retrieved 09 suspicious sacks adrift in waters and recovered about 325kg and 04g (wet weight) of Kendu leaves in them.

It is suspected that smugglers abandoned the consignment, unable to bring it ashore due to the Navy's constant search operations in the area. The stock of Kendu leaves was handed over to the Customs Preventive Office in Katunayake for onward legal action.