Navy takes hold of 810kg of smuggled Tendu leaves in Puttalam

A search operation conducted by the Navy in coordination with the Excise Department in the Alankuda area of Puttalam on 19th September 2024 led to the seizure of 810kg of smuggled Tendu leaves.

A coordinated operation by SLNS Vijaya of the Northwestern Naval Command, in collaboration with the Excise Station in Puttalam, led to the recovery of 26 sacks of Tendu leaves, weighing 810kg, hidden on a plot of land in the Alankuda area. Once unearthed, the haul of Tendu leaves were taken into custody.

It is suspected that smugglers concealed this stock due to the Navy's ongoing presence in the area, preventing them from retrieving it. The seized Tendu leaves were handed over to the Excise Station – Puttalam for further legal proceedings.