Separate search operations conducted by the Sri Lanka Navy in the sea area of Mudalappai and land area of Norochcholai on 28th June 2024 led to the recovery of about 1713kg (wet weight) of Tendu leaves.
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, SLNS Vijaya in the Northwestern Naval Command retrieved 14 sacks of Tendu leaves weighing about 513kg (wet weight) adrift in waters, during a search operation conducted in the Mudalappai sea area of Kalpitiya.
In the same vein, another search operation conducted in the Norochcholai area of Kalpitiya led to the recovery of 33 sacks of Tendu leaves from nearby shrubs. The sacks of Tendu leaves, weighing about 1200kg (wet weight) were suspected to have been smuggled into the country.
The consignment of 1713 Kg of Tendu leaves held in these operations had been kept in the safe custody of the Navy until onward legal action gets underway.
