Over 1156kg of smuggled Kendu leaves seized in Puttalam

A coordinated search operation carried out by the Navy and Police Anti Corruption Division led to the apprehension of 02 suspects with over 1156kg of smuggled Kendu leaves on 04th April 2023. The smuggled contraband, made ready for sale, was recovered from a house in Nagawilluwa, Puttalam.

The Sri Lanka Navy regularly conducts operations and patrols in the coastal and sea areas surrounding the island to deter and prevent the entry of smuggled goods into the country.

Accordingly, this combined operation was mounted by Udappuwa Naval Detachment belonging to SLNS Thambapanni in the Northwestern Naval Command with Police Anti Corruption Division, Puttalam in Nagawilluwa on 04th April. The raiding party found 44 cardboard packages containing about 1156kg and 700g of Kendu leaves, upon search of a suspicious house in the locality. Along with the smuggled contraband, 02 suspects were also held in connection to the incident.

The suspects held in the search operation are residents of Mullaitivu and Nallathanniya, aged 25 and 45. The two suspects along with the stock of Kendu leaves were handed over to the Police Anti Corruption Division, Puttalam for onward legal action.