Approx. 338kg of smuggled Tendu leaves held in Northwestern waters

A search operation conducted by the Sri Lanka Navy in the Ippanthivu sea area, Kalpitiya on 15th May 2024, led to the recovery of approx. 338kg (wet weight) of Tendu leaves, attempted to be smuggled into the country.

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.

As an extension of these efforts, the search operation was mounted by the Naval Detachment Uchchamunai belonging to SLNS Vijaya in the Northwestern Naval Command in the Ippanthivu sea area. During this operation, naval personnel recovered 11 sacks of Tendu leaves, weighing about 338kg (wet weight), adrift in waters.

A stockpile of Tendu leaves, believed to have been discarded at sea by smugglers, due to constant presence of the Navy in the area, will remain in naval custody until further legal actions are taken.