Navy nabs 04 suspects with 497kg of Kendu leaves in Kalpitiya

A search operation conducted by the Sri Lanka Navy in the sea area of Mohoththuwaram, Kalpitiya on 10 May 25, led to the interception of 02 dinghies and apprehension of 04 suspects, while smuggling about 497kg of Kendu leaves.

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, a team of Special Boat Squadron and Navy Marines attached to SLNS Vijaya in the Northwestern Naval Command made this apprehension, during a search operation mounted in the Mohoththuwaram sea area. The search resulted in the interception of 02 suspicious dinghies, leading to the recovery of 14 sacks of Kendu leaves weighing about 497kg. Further, the Navy collared 04 suspects in connection to the smuggling racket.

The suspects held in this operation were identified as residents of Anawasala and Manpuri in Kalpitiya, from 28 to 41 years of age. The suspects together with the consignment of Kendu leaves and the dinghies were handed over to the Excise Special Unit of Puttalam for onward legal action.