Navy seizes 345kg of smuggled Tendu leaves in multiple operations
The Navy seized 345kg (wet weight) of smuggled Tendu leaves in separate search operations conducted at the beach areas of Erambugodella and Kappaladi in Puttalam on 31st August.
SLNS Vijaya under the Northwestern Naval Command carried out the operations, resulting in the interception of smuggled Tendu leaves. 04 sacks containing 169kg (wet weight) of Tendu leaves were found near Erambugodella, and an additional 05 sacks weighing 176kg (wet weight) washed ashore at Kappaladi beach. A total of 345kg (wet weight) of smuggled Tendu leaves were confiscated during these operations.
It is suspected that smugglers left the Tendu leaf stocks behind, possibly due to naval operations preventing their entry into the country. The Navy currently has custody of the seized Tendu leaves, pending further legal action.
The Navy conducted search operations at beach areas in Puttalam on August 31st and seized a total of 345kg of smuggled Tendu leaves. The operation, carried out by SLNS Vijaya under the Northwestern Naval Command, resulted in the recovery of 169kg of Tendu leaves adrift near Erambugodella and 176kg washed ashore at Kappaladi beach. It is believed that smugglers abandoned the Tendu leaf stocks due to increased naval operations. The seized Tendu leaves are now held by the Navy for further legal action.
