Separate search operations conducted by the Navy and Police in Negombo, Kalpitiya and Silawathura areas on 07th and 08thSeptember 2024 led to the seizure of more than 1222kg (wet weight) of smuggled Tendu leaves. The operations also resulted in the apprehension of 01 lorry and 02 dinghies.
During a search conducted in the Negombo lagoon on 07thSeptember by SLNS Rangalla in the Western Naval Command, naval personnel searched a dinghy in the lagoon and recovered 06 sacks of Tendu leaves. The consignment which weighed about 150kg and the dinghy were subsequently taken into naval custody.
Meanwhile, SLNS Vijaya in the Northwestern Naval Command seized about 185kg of Tendu leaves in 06 sacks and a lorry in which the stock had been loaded. The operation was conducted with the assistance of Kalpitiya Police inAlmannarama area in Kalpitiya on 08th September. In another operation mounted by SLNS Vijaya in the sea areas of Serakkuliya and Sinnaarachchi, Kalpitiya, 06 sacks of Tenduleaves adrift in waters were retrieved. The stock of Tenduleaves weighed about 198kg (wet weight). In addition, naval personnel found an abandoned dinghy in the sea area and recovered 16 sacks of Tendu leaves weighing about 548kg (wet weight).
During another search in Pandaraweli beach area of Silawathura, SLNS Therapuththa in the Northwestern Naval Command recovered 02 sacks of Tendu leaves weighing about 141kg and 400g (wet weight), washed ashore.
The stocks of Tendu leaves weighing approx. 1222kg and400g, the lorry and 02 dinghies were handed over to the Negombo Excise Department, Kalpitiya Police, Northwestern Province Special Excise Unit and Mannar Excise Station for onward legal action.
