Navy takes hold of smuggled Kendu leaves and foreign cigarettes in separate operations

Separate operations conducted by the Navy from 02 to 09 May 25 led to the recovery of smuggled stocks of Kendu leaves weighing about 310kg and 44g. Additionally, combined operations carried out with the Police also led to the apprehension of 02 suspects with and 12,200 foreign cigarettes.

Search operations mounted by SLNS Thammanna and Wasabha on 02 and 09 May in the beach vicinities of Kachchativu and Urumunai as well as by SLNS Kanchadewa in Venpuravinagar beach area on 05 May resulted in the recovery of about 310kg and 44g of Kendu leaves washed ashore. It is believed those consignments were left behind due to strengthened naval operations.

Moreover, combined operations conducted by SLNS Shilpa with the assistance of Kadugannawa and Waththegama Police Stations in Muruthalawa and Lewella in Kandy on 02 and 09 May 25, resulted in the seizure of approx. 12,200 foreign cigarettes made ready for sale. The operations also made way for the apprehension of 02 suspects in connection to the incidents.

The suspects held in these operations along with foreign cigarettes were handed over to Kadugannawa and Waththegama Police Stations for onward legal action.