Navy seizes over 1447kg of smuggled Kendu leaves in Negombo

Navy seized over 1447kg of smuggled Kendu leaves, during a special operation carried out in the lagoon and sea area of Negombo yesterday, Navy said. 

Two Fast Attack Craft of the 04th Fast Attack Flotilla in the Western Naval Command retrieved 21 suspicious sacks adrift in waters, whilst patrolling off Negombo yesterday. The sacks were stuffed with Kendu leaves which weighed around 1026kg and 770g (wet weight).

It is suspected that the smugglers might have abandoned the stock of contraband due to constant naval operations in the area, the Navy said. 

Meanwhile, during another search operation in the lagoon area of Pitipana in Negombo yesterday led to the recovery of about 420kg and 900g (wet weight) of Kendu leaves in 13 sacks which had been concealed in a dinghy at the lagoon.

The consignment of Kendu leaves (1447kg and 670g) and the dinghy seized by the Navy were subsequently handed over to the Customs Preventive Office in Katunayake for onward legal action, Navy said.