Navy nabs 316kg of smuggled Kendu leaves in Negombo lagoon

The Sri Lanka Navy seized a haul of smuggled Kendu leaves weighing approximately 316kg, during a search operation conducted in the Negombo lagoon area on 10 Jun 26.

The operation was mounted by SLNS Kelani under the Western Naval Command. While patrolling the lagoon waters, naval personnel spotted 09 suspicious sacks and a close inspection of the packages revealed the consignment of Kendu leaves. The stock is suspected to have been abandoned by smugglers, unable to bring the contraband ashore due to the heightened surveillance of the Navy.

Following the recovery, the entire stock of seized Kendu leaves was handed over to the Katunayake Customs Preventive Office for further legal proceedings.