The Sri Lanka Navy has seized around 742 kilos of Kendu leaves along with 03 dinghies during two separate operations in Chilaw this week.
According to the Navy, the raids were conducted in the Negombo Lagoon and Karukapane Lagoon on Sunday (09) and Monday (10).
SLNS Kelani, belonging to the Western Naval Command, recovered 16 packs of Kendu leaves weighing approximately 513kg from a suspicious dinghy during a search operation near the Kotalawala Bridge in the Negombo Lagoon.
In another search operation conducted by the Rapid Action Boats Squadron (RABS) Headquarters in the Northwestern Naval Command in the Karukapane Lagoon, naval personnel seized about 229kg of Kendu leaves in 06 sacks, from 02 dinghies.
The stocks of Kendu leaves held in Negombo and Karukapane have been handed over to the Customs Preventive Office, Katunayake and the Excise Special Unit, Chilaw, respectively, for legal action. (Newswire)