Navy seizes more than 2,360kg of smuggled Kendu leaves

The Sri Lanka Navy seized more than 2,360kg of smuggled Kendu leaves, during separate search operations conducted in coastal and lagoon areas of Palliyawatta in Wattala, Pitipana in Negombo and Kayakkuli in Silavathurai on 29 and 30 September 2026.

During a search operation conducted on 29 September by SLNS Kelani of the Western Naval Command, 24 suspicious sacks were found in the sea and coastal areas of Palliyawatta and in the Pitipana lagoon. The operation resulted in the seizure of more than 942kg of Kendu leaves smuggled in.

Meanwhile, personnel attached to SLNS Therapuththa of the Northwestern Naval Command mounted a search operation in the Kayakkuli coastal area of Silavathurai this morning, 30 September, leading to the recovery of more than 1,425kg of Kendu leaves in 40 sacks. The consignment is suspected to have been smuggled into the country and abandoned by smugglers, due to heightened naval surveillance.

The operation in the Palliyawatta area was conducted with the assistance of the Wattala Police. The seized Kendu leaves were handed over to the Wattala Police Station, the Customs Preventive Office in Katunayake and the Mannar Excise Department Office for onward legal action.