Smuggled stock of Kendu leaves seized in Negombo

A stock of more than 234kg of smuggled Kendu leaves was seized during a coordinated operation conducted by the Navy and the Police in the Browns Beach area of Negombo on 01 August 2026.

The operation was carried out by personnel attached to SLNS Kelani of the Western Naval Command in coordination with the Negombo Police, following credible information received by the Navy. During the search, the raiding party inspected 5 suspicious sacks and recovered this stock of Kendu leaves.

It is suspected that the consignment had been smuggled into the country and abandoned by the smugglers due to constant vigilance of the Navy. The seized stock of Kendu leaves was handed over to the Negombo Police for onward legal proceedings.