Over 617kg of smuggled Tendu leaves held in Northwestern waters

A search operation conducted by the Sri Lanka Navy in the Uchchamunai sea area of Kalpitiya on 30th May 2024 led to the seizure of over 617kg (wet weight) of Tendu leaves, attempted to be smuggled into the country. During this operation, the Navy also apprehended 02 suspects and a dinghy used for this racket.

The Sri Lanka Navy conducts regular search operations and patrols in the coastal areas of the island, with a view to prevent the influx of a wide range of illegal items into the island.

As an extension of these efforts, the search operation was mounted by the Naval Detachment Uchchamunai belonging to SLNS Vijaya in the Northwestern Naval Command in the Uchchamunai sea area. During this operation, the Navy intercepted a suspicious dinghy and recovered 19 sacks stuffed with about 617kg and 800g (wet weight) of Tendu leaves. The operations also led to the apprehension of 02 suspects and the dinghy which was used to smuggle this consignment of Tendu leaves.

The suspects held in this operation were identified as residents of Kalpitiya, aged 21 and 46. The suspects along with the stock of Tendu leaves and the dinghy were handed over to the Excise Special Unit of Northwestern Province for onward legal action.