Navy seizes over 1316kg of smuggled Kendu leaves during separate search operations

Separate search operations conducted by the Navy in Kalmunai Point of Pooneryn and Sampakulam, Jaffna on 30 May 25 led to the seizure of smuggled Kendu leaves exceeding 1316kg.

The operations were mounted by the Naval Detachment of Kalmunai Point belonging to SLNS Welusumana in the Northern Naval Command in the sea and beach areas of Kalmunai Point and Sampakulam. Upon recovery of 15 suspicious sacks in the coastal vicinity, naval personnel searched those sacks, leading to find about 1316kg and 400g Kendu leaves in them. It is suspected that smugglers would have left behind those consignments due to heightened naval presence in the area.

The stock of Kendu leaves has been kept in the safe custody of the Navy, until onward legal proceedings get underway.