Navy nabs 02 suspects with smuggled Kendu leaves in Kalpitiya

The Sri Lanka Navy seized a consignment of approximately 405kg of Kendu leaves, a dinghy, and apprehended 02 suspects during a search operation conducted in the Thudawa sea area, Kalpitiya, on 03 Oct 25.

As part of its continuous efforts to curb illegal activities via sea routes, the Navy carries out regular patrols and search operations around the island’s coastal waters.

In this operation, conducted by SLNS Vijaya in the Northwestern Naval Command in the sea area of Thudawa in the dark hours of 03 October, the consignment of Kendu leaves being smuggled was seized along with the suspects and the dinghy.

The apprehended individuals have been identified as residents of Moththuwaram and Palliwasalthurai in Kalpitiya. The suspects, together with the dinghy and seized consignment, were handed over to the Puttalam Excise Department Special Unit for onward legal proceedings.