Over 1590kg haul of Kendu leaves seized during separate naval operations

Search operations conducted by the Navy in the Negombo, Puttalam and Kalpitiya areas from 01 to 10 Aug 25 led to the seizure of over 1590kg of smuggled Kendu leaves. The operations also resulted in the apprehension of 01 suspect and 02 dinghies in connection to the illegal acts.

The operations were carried out by the Western and Northwestern Naval Commands in the lagoon areas of Negombo and Puttalam as well as the sea area of Mohothtuwaram in Kalpitiya, leading to the seizure of this haul of Kendu leaves together with the suspect and dinghies.

The suspect together with Kendu leaves and the dinghies held in Negombo was handed over to the Customs Preventive Office Katunayake for legal action. Further, the consignment of Kendu leaves seized in Puttalam and Mohoththuwaram was handed over to the Excise Special Unit in Puttalam for legal proceedings.