Navy and Coast Guard nab duo with 1407kg Kendu leaves

In a joint operation conducted on 17 Feb 26, the Sri Lanka Navy and the Coast Guard seized over 1407kg of Kendu leaves, apprehending 02 suspects and seizing a lorry (01).

An operation conducted by the Naval Detachment Udappuwa of SLNS Thambapanni, under the Northwestern Naval Command, in coordination with the Coast Guard, led to the recovery of approximately 1,071 kg of Kendu leaves in the sea area off Muthupanthiya, Chilaw. It is believed the stock was abandoned due to heightened naval surveillance, preventing attempts to bring it ashore.

In a separate, simultaneous operation in the Wairamkattuwa area of Arachchikattuwa, naval personnel apprehended two suspects and seized a lorry, along with an additional 336 kg of Kendu leaves prepared for distribution.

The suspects apprehended in this operation were identified as residents of Rajakadaluwa and Bangadeniya of Chilaw, aged 44 and 46. The suspects, the lorry, and the stock of Kendu leaves were handed over to the Puttalam Excise Office for further legal action.