Over 125kg of smuggled Kendu leaves seized in Puttalam

A coordinated search operation mounted by the Sri Lanka Navy with the assistance of the Sri Lanka Coast Guard (SLCG) led to the seizure of approximately 125kg of smuggled Kendu leaves in the Periyapadu coastal area of Puttalam this morning, 16 October 2026.

Incidentally, the operation was carried out by naval personnel from SLNS Thambapanni in the Northwestern Naval Command with SLCG. The search party inspected 3 suspicious sacks found in the coastal vicinity, containing this stock of Kendui leaves. It is suspected that the smugglers might have left behind the consignment due to heightened naval surveillance in the area.

The seized consignment was handed over to the Puttalam office of the Department of Excise for onward legal proceedings.