Navy seizes stock of smuggled Kendu leaves off Chilaw

In a search operation off Chilaw on 12 Sep 25, the Sri Lanka Navy seized a dinghy (01) with approx. 1,680 kilograms (wet weight) of smuggled Kendu leaves and apprehended 02 suspects in connection to the incident.

The operation was carried out by SLNS Suranimila, attached to the Western Naval Command, during a patrol off Chilaw. During the operation, the ship detected and intercepted a suspicious dinghy making an approach towards the coast. Upon inspection, the dinghy was found to be carrying 56 sacks of Kendu leaves, weighing about 1,680 kilograms (wet weight).

The two suspects, identified as residents of the Janasavipura area in Kalpitiya, were taken into naval custody along with the dinghy and the illicit cargo. Subsequently, they were handed over to the Puttalam Excise Special Unit for further investigation and legal proceedings.