A search operation conducted by the Sri Lanka Navy on the Erumativu Island and its sea area, Kalpitiya on 26th July 2024, led to the recovery of about 1,276kg (wet weight) of Tendu leaves. It is believed the consignment of Tendu leaves was smuggled into the country via sea.
The Sri Lanka Navy conducts regular search operations and patrols in the coastal areas of the island, with a view to prevent the influx of a wide range of illegal items into the island.
As an extension of these efforts, the search operation was mounted by the Harbour Defence Staff and Navy Marines of SLNS Vijaya in the Northwestern Naval Command. During the search, naval personnel recovered a suspicious sack (01) adrift in the Erumativu sea area and 41 more sacks filled with Tendu leaves, hidden in shrubs on the Erumativu Island. Upon inspection of them, approximately 1,276kg (wet weight) of Tendu leaves were found in the sacks.
The consignment of Tendu leaves was later handed over to the Excise Special Unit of Northwestern Province for onward legal action.
In 2024 alone, the Navy and Coast Guard have intercepted over 27,330kg of smuggled Tendu leaves, which have been subsequently handed over to authorities for further legal action.
