Navy takes hold of approx. 700kg of smuggled Tendu leaves off Kalpitiya

A search operation conducted by the Navy off Kalpitiya on 14th September 2024 led to the seizure of approx. 700kg (wet weight) of smuggled Tendu leaves and a dinghy.

The Navy remains ever alert and conducts patrols and search operations in the coastal areas of the island to prevent the influx of illegal items into the country.

During a search conducted by SLNS Vijaya in the Northwestern Naval Command on 14th September, a suspicious dinghy abandoned off Kalpitiya was recovered. The dinghy had been loaded with 22 sacks which were stuffed with approx. 700kg (wet weight) of smuggled Tendu leaves. Accordingly, the stock of Tendu leaves and the dinghy were taken into naval custody.

It is suspected that the traffickers abandoned this batch of Tendu leaves and the dinghy at sea, likely unable to bring them ashore due to naval operations. The stock of Tendu leaves and the dinghy have been kept in the custody of the Navy, until legal action gets underway.