The Sri Lanka Navy took hold of 02 dinghies with a consignment of smuggled Tendu leaves, during a special operation carried out in the sea area of Negombo today (17th December 2023). The apprehended stock of Tendu leaves weighed over 1143kg. The Navy also nabbed 04 suspects in connection to the illegal act.
To curb illicit activities within the maritime and coastal areas of Sri Lanka, the Navy maintains vigilant surveillance and conducts regular operations. As an extension of these efforts, this coordinated operation was mounted by SLNS Kelani, SLNS Gemunu and SLNS Rangalla, by deploying the Inshore Patrol Craft P 236 in the Negombo sea area today. In this operation, the Navy detected two suspicious dinghies heading toward the shoreline and recovered over 1143kg of Tendu leaves in 35 sacks onboard. The operation also led to the apprehension of the 02 dinghies used for this illegal act, along with 04 suspects in connection to that.
Meanwhile, the apprehended suspects were identified as residents of Negombo, who are from 33 to 53 years of age. The accused along with the stock of Tendu leaves and the dinghies were handed over to the Katunayake Customs Preventive Office for onward legal action.