Navy thwarts major smuggling attempt: over 2000kg of Kendu leaves seized off Chilaw

The Sri Lanka Navy took hold of a massive consignment of smuggled Kendu leaves (over 2000kg) during a search operation conducted in the seas off Chilaw on 28 Apr 26. The operation also led to the interception of an Indian dhow with 04 Indian nationals as well as 03 local dinghies with 06 suspects in connection to this racket.

The interception took place when a Navy ship patrolling the Chilaw sea area observed the Indian dhow attempting to transfer suspicious cargo to the 03 local dinghies. Upon further inspection, naval personnel recovered 54 sacks containing the smuggled Kendu leaves weighing over 2000kg.

The Sri Lankan suspects, aged between 21 and 42, were identified as residents of Kalpitiya, while the Indian suspects are between the ages of 18 and 50. Following the recovery of the contraband and the seizure of the craft, the suspects, the stock of Kendu leaves and craft were handed over to the Colombo Port Customs Preventive Office for further legal proceedings.