Navy's coastal vigilance thwarts smuggling bid

The Sri Lanka Navy apprehended a stock of smuggled items during a search operation conducted in the Pandaraveli coastal area of Silawathura on 18 Sep 25. The operation led to the seizure of approximately 1,197kg of Kendu leaves, 1,765 bars of soap, a dinghy, and the arrest of a suspect in connection with the incident.

The Sri Lanka Navy regularly undertakes patrols and search operations in coastal and territorial waters to deter unlawful activities, with special focus on preventing smuggling through maritime routes.

During this search operation conducted by SLNS Therapuththa of the Northwestern Naval Command in the Pandaraweli coastal area, naval personnel inspected a suspicious dinghy. The search led to the seizure of approximately 485kg of Kendu leaves and 706 bars of soap, along with the apprehension of the suspect and the dinghy.

A subsequent, thorough search of the nearby beach area uncovered an additional cache of contraband that had been hidden ashore. This secondary find yielded a further 712kg of Kendu leaves and 1,059 bars of soap.

The suspect held in this operation was identified as a resident of Kalpitiya. Meanwhile, the suspect and the seized items were subsequently handed over to the Special Unit of the Puttalam Excise Department for onward legal proceedings.