The Sri Lanka Navy took hold of about 2,123kg of smuggled Kendu leaves, during a search operation carried out today (05 Jun 25) in the beach vicinity of Mohoththuwaram, Kalpitiya.

A search operation conducted by the Navy today (04 Jun 25) led to the seizure of a dinghy with about 600kg of smuggled Kendu leaves in the coastal waters of Alankuda, Kalpitiya.

Separate search operations conducted by the Navy in Kalmunai Point of Pooneryn and Sampakulam, Jaffna on 30 May 25 led to the seizure of smuggled Kendu leaves exceeding 1316kg.

In separate search operations conducted by the Navy with the assistance of Fisheries Inspectors from 20 to 25 May 25, twenty-six (26) individuals involved in various illegal fishing activities were apprehended. The operations were conducted in the sea areas of Kaddaikadu, Kokkuthuduwai, Thiriyaya, Nayaru, Mankerni, Waleithoddam, Kuduirippu, Pulleyaradi, Vavunativu and Kanankuda. The individuals were caught while engaging in illegal fishing practices using unauthorized fishing gear.

Separate operations conducted by the Navy from 20 to 25 May 25 resulted in the seizure of about 252kg (wet weight) of Kendu leaves, 12.75g of Kerala cannabis and 3g and 155mg of methamphetamine (ice). Additionally, six (06) suspects were apprehended in connection with the illegal activities.

Acting on credible information, the Sri Lanka Navy launched a special operation on the high seas off the southern coast, apprehending 11 suspects along with 02 local multi-day fishing trawlers, involved in smuggling of narcotics. The operation was mounted in collaboration with the State Intelligence Service, the Police Narcotic Bureau (PNB) and the Regional Coordination Operation Centres. The drug-laden trawlers and suspects were escorted this morning (28 May 25) to the Dikovita Fisheries Harbour where the Hon. Deputy Minister of Defence, Major General Aruna Jayasekara (Retd), along with the Commander of the Navy and the Acting Inspector General of Police, were present to inspect the seized narcotics.

In a series of search operations conducted by the Navy with the assistance of Fisheries Inspectors from 10 to 19 May 25, thirty-six (36) individuals involved in various illegal fishing activities were apprehended. The operations were conducted in the sea areas of Kotuwamada, Sallikovil, Erakkandi and Elephant Island, Nandikadal, Kalladi, Point Pedro and Alampil sea areas. The individuals were caught while engaging in illegal fishing practices using unauthorized fishing gear.

Separate operations conducted by the Navy from 10 to 19 May 25 resulted in the seizure of about 108kg (wet weight) of Kendu leaves, approx. 732g of cocaine and apprehension of a suspect with 2600 foreign cigarettes.

The Navy sprang into action, providing critical first aid to a British tourist who was in a spot of bother while surfing at Peanut Farm Beach on 15 May 25, suffering an ankle injury that required emergency attention.

During a search operation in the Rodapadu Lagoon, Kalpitiya on 17 May 25, the Navy seized a dinghy loaded with approximately 320kg of dried ginger and 150kg of cardamom, suspected to be smuggled goods.