Navy seizes over 500kg of smuggled Kendu leaves; 03 suspects apprehended in Chilaw

In a successful operation against smuggling, the Sri Lanka Navy apprehended 03 suspects along with a lorry transporting a massive haul of Kendu leaves. The apprehension took place during a search operation conducted in the Karukapane area of Chilaw on 20 Jun 26.

Acting swiftly on a tip-off received by SLNS Thambapanni, in the Northwestern Naval Command, naval personnel intercepted and inspected a suspicious lorry in Karukupane. This vigilant search yielded approximately 507kg of Kendu leaves smuggled into the country. The haul of Kendu leaves, packed in 14 sacks, was primed for illicit transport.

The apprehended suspects were identified as residents of the Galewela area, aged between 45 and 66 years. Following the operation, the suspects, the seized vehicle, and the entire stock of Kendu leaves were handed over to the Arachchikattuwa Police for onward legal proceedings.