Navy intercepts dinghy with over 620kg of smuggled Kendu leaves in Negombo lagoon

In an operation to curb smuggling activities, the Sri Lanka Navy intercepted a dinghy carrying a consignment of smuggled Kendu leaves and apprehended 01 suspect in the Negombo lagoon area on 28 Jun 26.

The search operation was mounted by SLNS Kelani, under the Western Naval Command. While patrolling the lagoon waters, naval personnel spotted the suspicious dinghy and moved in for a thorough inspection. The search led to the recovery of approximately 625kg of Kendu leaves packed into 17 sacks.

The apprehended suspect was identified as a 22-year-old resident of the Pamunugama area in Negombo. Following the apprehension, the suspect, along with the seized dinghy and the entire stock of Kendu leaves, was handed over to the Katunayake Customs Preventive Office for further legal proceedings.