Navy thwarts smuggling attempt of Kendu leaves and Cardamom, 02 suspects nabbed in Puttalam

The Sri Lanka Navy seized a significant quantity of smuggled goods, including over 1,002kg of Kendu leaves (in wet weight) and approximately 116kg of Cardamom, during a search operation conducted at the Mampuri beach area in Puttalam on 15 Mar 26. The operation also led to the apprehension of 02 suspects and the seizure of a dinghy (01) used for the illegal transfer.

The operation was carried out by personnel from SLNS Thambapanni, operating under the Northwestern Naval Command. While conducting a vigilant search along the Mampuri coastal belt, naval teams found the suspicious dinghy. A thorough inspection of the dinghy revealed this consignment of Kendu leaves and Cardamom, which had been smuggled into the country in defiance of regulations.

The apprehended suspects, aged 40 and 52, were identified as residents of the Mampuri and Thalavila areas in Puttalam. The suspects, along with the recovered items and the dinghy, were handed over to the Katunayake Customs Preventive Office for further investigation and legal action.