Navy seizes large consignment of smuggled Kendu leaves in Negombo

The Navy seized around 535kg of smuggled Kendu leaves, during a search operation in the sea area off Kudapaduwa, Negombo, on 11 August 2026.

The operation was conducted by personnel attached to SLNS Kelani in the Western Naval Command, leading to the recovery of 14 suspicious sacks from the waters. The consignment is believed to have been abandoned by smugglers due to heightened naval surveillance.

The seized Kendu leaves were subsequently handed over to the Customs Preventive Office in Katunayake for further legal action.