Navy takes hold of smuggled stock of Kendu leaves in Poruthota sea area, Negombo

The Sri Lanka Navy took hold of a smuggled consignment of Kendu leaves weighing about 535kg (wet weight), during a special operation carried out in the sea area of Poruthota, Negombo on 18th February 2023. The consignment was adrift in the sea area when it was spotted by the Navy.

The Navy conducts regular search operations to thwart smuggling activities take place in the coastal and sea areas around the island. Engaged in a search operation, SLNS Kelani in the Western Naval Command spotted 18 suspicious packages adrift in Poruthota sea area on 18th February. Accordingly, the Navy retrieved those packages and found that the packages were stuffed with Kendu leaves weighing about 535kg (wet weight).

It is believed that the smugglers may have left this stock of Kendu leaves in the sea area due to constant naval operations. Meanwhile, the stock of contraband was handed over to the Customs Preventive Office in Katunayake for onward legal proceedings.