Navy's coastal vigilance thwarts smuggling bid

The Sri Lanka Navy, during search operations conducted in the Kappaladi and Redbarna areas of Kalpitiya on 11 Nov 25, seized approximately 840kg of Kendu leaves and 1,980 soap bars that had been smuggled into the country.

The Navy regularly undertakes patrols and search operations in coastal and territorial waters to deter unlawful activities, with special focus on preventing smuggling through maritime routes.

In continuation of these efforts, SLNS Vijaya belonging to the Northwestern Naval Command recovered approx. 840kg of smuggled Kendu leaves, made ready for distribution, upon search of a suspicious cab in the Kappaladi beach area. Along with the smuggled items, the cab was also taken into naval custody.

In a separate operation by SLNS Vijaya in the Redbarna area, naval personnel found 1980 soap bars stuffed in 07 sacks, from shrubs in the area.

The seized items along with the vehicle were subsequently handed over to the Puttalam Excise Special Unit for onward legal action.