Navy takes hold of over 550kg of Kendu leaves in Negombo Lagoon

In another strike against smuggling, the Sri Lanka Navy seized a significant haul of over 550kg of Kendu leaves during a search operation conducted in the Negombo Lagoon on 22 Apr 26. The operation also led to the apprehension of 02 suspects and the dinghy (01) used to smuggle the illegal consignment.

The operation was mounted by SLNS Kelani of the Western Naval Command and during the mission, naval personnel intercepted a suspicious dinghy navigating the area. A thorough search of the dinghy revealed 15 sacks containing approximately 553kg of Kendu leaves, which had been smuggled, evading local regulations.

Following the seizure, the 02 suspects, the dinghy, and the entire stock of Kendu leaves were handed over to the Katunayake Customs Preventive Office for further investigation and legal proceedings.