Navy hauls 941kg of smuggled Kendu leaves in Negombo Lagoon

In a successful strike against smuggling, the Sri Lanka Navy seized a dinghy (01) carrying over 941kg of Kendu leaves during a search operation conducted in the Negombo Lagoon on 12 May 26. Along with the contraband and the dinghy, naval personnel apprehended 02 suspects involved in the illegal act.

The operation was executed by SLNS Kelani, operating under the Western Naval Command, after intercepting a suspicious dinghy navigating the lagoon waters. Upon a thorough inspection of the dinghy, naval personnel discovered the sizeable haul of Kendu leaves packed into 30 sacks.

The apprehended individuals were identified as residents of Negombo, aged 26 and 42. Following the seizure, the suspects, the dinghy, and the entire consignment of Kendu leaves were handed over to the Katunayake Customs Preventive Office for further legal proceedings.