Navy thwarts smuggling bid, 742kg of Kendu leaves seized in separate operations

During two separate operations in the Negombo Lagoon and Karukapane Lagoon in Chilaw on 09 and 10 Nov 25, the Navy seized about 742kg of Kendu leaves along with 03 dinghies.

Engaging in a search operation near the Kotalawala Bridge in the Negombo Lagoon, SLNS Kelani belonging to the Western Naval Command recovered 16 packs of Kendu leaves weighing approx. 513kg, from a suspicious dinghy.

In another search operation conducted by the Rapid Action Boats Squadron (RABS) Headquarters in the Northwestern Naval Command in the Karukapane Lagoon, naval personnel seized about 229kg of Kendu leaves in 06 sacks, from 02 dinghies.

The stocks of Kendu leaves held in Negombo and Karukapane were handed over to the Customs Preventive Office, Katunayake and Excise Special Unit, Chilaw respectively, for onward legal action.