Three (03) suspects with about 2888kg of smuggled Tendu leaves held in Mannar

A search operation conducted by the Sri Lanka Navy in coordination with the Divisional Crime Detective Bureau - Mannar in the Vankalai area of Mannar on 08th July 2024 resulted in the apprehension of 03 suspects and the seizure of approximately 2888kg of Tendu leaves, suspected to have been smuggled into the country. Additionally, they also confiscated a cab and a lorry used to smuggle the stock of Tendu leaves.

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 part of these ongoing efforts, SLNS Pussadewa and SLNS Thammanna in the North Central Naval Command carried out this operation with the assistance of Divisional Crime Detective Bureau - Mannar in the Vankalai area. During this combined operation, the raiding party searched a cab and a lorry in the locality and found 80 packages of Tendu leaves being smuggled in the vehicles. The stock of Tendu leaves weighed around 2888kg. Accordingly, the 02 vehicles, Tendu leaves and 03 suspects in connection to this incident were taken into custody.

The suspects held in this operation were identified as residents of Mannar, who are from 26 to 30 years of age. The suspects along with the stock of Tendu leaves, the cab and lorry were handed over to the Vankalai Police for onward legal action.