In two separate search operations, the Sri Lanka Navy seized a total of 1,962kg of smuggled kendu leaves (commonly known as beedi leaves) and apprehended three suspects in the Kalpitiya area between April 1 and 4.
The first operation, carried out by a team of the Special Boat Squadron attached to SLNS Vijaya under the Northwestern Naval Command, took place in the Paramunai sea area on the night of April 1. Navy personnel intercepted a suspicious dinghy and recovered 20 sacks containing approximately 675kg of kendu leaves. Two suspects, aged 27 and 29, from Janasavipura and Singhapura in Kalpitiya, were taken into custody.
In a follow-up operation in the early hours of April 4, another Navy team from SLNS Vijaya intercepted a lorry in the Mampuri area. The search led to the discovery of 36 sacks containing 1,287kg of kendu leaves prepared for illegal distribution. One suspect, a 46-year-old resident of Kottukachchiya, was arrested.
All suspects, along with the seized contraband and vehicles, were handed over to the Excise Special Unit in Puttalam and the Northwestern Province for further legal action. (NewsWire)Â
