Navy takes hold of a dinghy with smuggled agrochemicals, Kendu leaves and spices in Negombo

The Sri Lanka Navy intercepted an abandoned dinghy loaded with a haul of smuggled agrochemicals, Kendu leaves and spices during a search operation off Negombo on 22 Apr 25. Among the recovered items were; 1156 bottles and 4224 packets of agrochemicals, 67kg and 800g of Kendu leaves and 75kg and 300g of cardamom.

The Navy is keeping a close watch over the island’s coastline, conducting frequent patrols and search operations to curb illegal activities, especially the smuggling of goods through maritime routes.

In continuation of these efforts, the search operation was conducted by SLNS Kelani in the Western Naval Command with a team of Special Boat Squadron (SBS). It is suspected that smugglers might have abandoned the dinghy with smuggled items likely due to constant presence of the Navy in the area.

The seized items were handed over to the Divisional Crime Detection Bureau, Negombo for legal action.