Navy intercepts 02 Indian fishing trawlers with contraband

A naval patrol conducted in Sri Lanka’s waters northwest of the island on the night on Monday night led to the interception of two  Indian fishing trawlers carrying over 4000 kg of Kendu Leaves used for preparation of beedi.

The Navy also arrested eight Indian nationals involved in this illegal act, along with the large consignment of contraband.

The Navy conducts regular patrols and search operations in coastal and sea areas of the island to prevent wide-ranging nefarious acts stemming via sea routes. In a similar effort, SLNS Suranimila attached to the Western Naval Command intercepted 02 suspicious Indian fishing trawlers in Sri Lanka’s waters, during a patrol conducted off the Kudiramalai Point on the night of 05th December. 

The fishing trawlers had been loaded with 128 packages which were stuffed with Kendu Leaves weighing over 4000 kg. Further, the Navy also held 08 Indian nationals involved in this act of smuggling. 

The seized Indian trawlers (02), the consignment of Kendu Leaves and the 08 Indian nationals are being brought ashore and they will be handed over to relevant authorities for onward legal proceedings.

Thus far in 2022, the Navy has seized of over 15000kg of Kendu Leaves. Meanwhile, the Navy will continue to keep a round-the-clock vigil in Sri Lanka’s waters to prevent the influx of contraband into the island.