Navy apprehends a suspect with about 689kg of smuggled Tendu leaves in Puttalam

During a search operation at Erambugodella Beach in Puttalam, this morning (08th August 2024), the Navy seized approximately 689 kg of smuggled Tendu leaves being loaded onto a lorry. The operation also led to the apprehension of a suspect and the seizure of a dinghy and the lorry involved.

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 part of these ongoing efforts, SLNS Vijaya in the Northwestern Naval Command carried out this operation in the beach vicinity of Erambugodella and seized approximately 689 kg of smuggled Tendu leaves in 21 sacks, while being loaded onto the lorry. The operation also resulted in the apprehension of the suspect and the confiscation of the dinghy and lorry involved.

The suspect held in this operation was identified as a resident of Kalpitiya, aged 43. The suspect, along with the consignment of Tendu leaves, dinghy and the lorry, will be handed over to the Excise Special Unit in the Northwestern Province for onward legal action.