Navy thwarts smuggling attempt: over 477kg of Kendu leaves seized in Negombo

In a coastal security operation, the Sri Lanka Navy foiled a smuggling attempt in the Negombo lagoon area on 03 June 26, seizing a dinghy loaded with over 477kg of Kendu leaves and apprehending 02 suspects.

The operation was executed by naval personnel attached to SLNS Kelani under the Western Naval Command. While patrolling the waters of the Negombo lagoon, naval personnel spotted the suspicious dinghy and subjected it to an inspection. The search uncovered 13 sacks stuffed with a haul of Kendu leaves weighing more than 477 kg, leading to the apprehension of the 02 individuals and the seizure of the dinghy.

The apprehended suspects were identified as residents of the Settappaduwa area in Negombo, aged 33 and 36. Following the initial naval custody, the suspects, along with the seized dinghy and Kendu leaves, were handed over to the Katunayake Customs Preventive Office for further legal proceedings.