Naval operations seize assortment of tobacco products and narcotic substance

Separate operations conducted by the Navy from 10 to 19 May 25 resulted in the seizure of about 108kg (wet weight) of Kendu leaves, approx. 732g of cocaine and apprehension of a suspect with 2600 foreign cigarettes.

SLNS Wasabha on 11 May took hold of about 108kg (wet weight) of Kendu leaves washed ashore, during a search operation in the Urumalai sea area. It is suspected that smugglers would have left behind the consignment due to heightened naval patrols in the area.

Meanwhile, a coordinated operation conducted by SLNS Shilpa with the Police Special Task Force, Gampola led to the apprehension of a suspect with 2600 foreign cigarettes made ready for sale in Mahayyawa, Kandy on 15 May.

Moreover, SLNS Mahaweli with the assistance of Vakarei Police Special Task Force recovered approx. 732g stash of cocaine during a combined search operation carried out in the Lankapatuna Junction on 18 May.

The suspect and foreign cigarettes held in Mahayyawa were handed over to the Kandy Police station for onward legal action. Further, 732g of cocaine found in Lankapatuna was handed over to the Echchalampaththu Police for legal proceedings.