Approx. 1229kg of smuggled Tendu leaves held in Kalpitiya

A search operation conducted by the Sri Lanka Navy with the Army and Police Narcotic Bureau, led to the recovery of approx. 1229kg of Tendu leaves in Mohoththuwaram in Kalpitiya on 30th April 2024. It is suspected that the stock of Tendu leaves has been smuggled into the country via sea.

The Sri Lanka Navy conducts regular search operations and patrols in the coastal areas of the island, with a view to prevent the influx of a wide range of illegal items into the island.

In continuation of these efforts, the search operation was mounted by SLNS Vijaya in the Northwestern Naval Command with the Army and Puttalam Police Narcotic Bureau in Mohoththuwaram area. The coordinated operation led to the recovery of about 1229kg of Tendu leaves in 39 sacks, hidden away in shrubs.

The consignment of Tendu leaves was handed over to the Puttalam Police for onward legal proceedings.