Navy intercepts dinghy with approx. 554kg of smuggled Kendu leaves in Lunuwila seas

In a search operation mounted on 03 Jan 26 in the seas off Luniwila of Vennappuwa, the Sri Lanka Navy thwarted a smuggling attempt, seizing approx. 554kg of Kendu leaves, 01 dinghy and apprehending 02 suspects.

A naval craft deployed by the Western Naval Command spotted the suspicious dinghy off Lunuwila and subsequently intercepted it proceeding towards the coastline. Upon inspection, the naval personnel discovered and took custody of approx. 554kg of Kendu leaves, packed in eighteen (18) sacks.

The suspects, aged 19 and 29, are residents of the Anawasala and Janasavipura areas in Kalpitiya. The suspects, together with the consignment of Kendu leaves and the dinghy, were handed over to the Katunayake Customs Preventive Office for onward legal action.