Navy seizes over 735kg of smuggled Kendu leaves in Negombo lagoon

The Navy seized more than 735kg of smuggled Kendu leaves and apprehended 2 suspects during a search operation in the Negombo Lagoon on 22 July 2026.

The operation was carried out by SLNS Kelani belonging to the Western Naval Command. During the search, naval personnel intercepted and searched a suspicious dinghy navigating the lagoon.

The search led to the recovery of the consignment of Kendu leaves stuffed in 20 sacks. The Navy also took into custody the 2 individuals on board and the dinghy used to transport the consignment.

The suspects, aged 29 and 32, are residents of the Negombo area. The suspects, the seized Kendu leaves and the dinghy were handed over to the Katunayake Customs Preventive Office for onward legal proceedings.