Approximately 700 kg (wet weight) of illegal Tendu leaves were found during a search operation by the Sri Lanka Navy on September 14, 2024. Additionally, an abandoned dinghy was found off the coast of Kalpitiya.
The Northwestern Naval Command’s SLNS Vijaya conducted the operation as part of the Navy’s continuous efforts to stop illicit activity along Sri Lanka’s coastline. The Navy found a suspicious dinghy at sea during the mission; it was filled with 22 sacks of Tendu leaves, which were likely abandoned by traffickers attempting to evade detection.
While legal actions are about to commence, the dinghy and the confiscated merchandise are currently being held by the navy.
To stop the smuggling of illegal goods into the nation, the Navy is still keeping a close eye on the island’s coastal regions.