Navy takes hold of about 1780kg of smuggled Tendu leaves in Negombo

A search operation conducted by the Sri Lanka Navy in the Dadugama lagoon area of Negombo in the evening of 24th July 2024 resulted in the seizure of about 1780kg of smuggled Tendu leaves and apprehension of 02 suspects. Additionally, the Navy also confiscated 06 dinghies used for the racket.

To combat smuggling and other illegal activities via sea routes, the Navy routinely conducts patrols and search operations along the island's coast and surrounding waters.

As part of these ongoing efforts, SLNS Kelani in the Western Naval Command carried out this operation in the Dadugama lagoon area where 06 suspicious dinghies were intercepted. The subsequent search of the dinghies led to the recovery of 76 sacks of Tendu leaves loaded on those dinghies. Accordingly, the sacks of Tendu leaves, weighing about 1780kg, along with the 06 dinghies and 02 suspects in connection to the incident were taken into naval custody.

The suspects held in this operation were identified as residents of Aluthkuruwa and Vennappuwa, aged 25 and 41. The accused along with the stock of Tendu leaves and the dinghies were handed over to the Excise Special Unit - Negombo for onward legal action.