6 January 2024 11:34 am Views - 1600
The Sri Lanka Navy consistently carries out search operations and patrols along the island's coastal and sea areas to deter the smuggling of unauthorised items into the country.
As an extension of these efforts, a Fast Attack Craft attached to the Southern Naval Command carried out a patrol on the sea area off Ambalangoda and recovered three suspicious sacks drifting on the sea yesterday.
During further search, naval personnel found about 118 kgs and 120 kgs (wet weight) of Tendu leaves in these sacks, which were subsequently taken into naval custody.
It is suspected that smugglers may have abandoned the consignment, being unable to fetch them ashore due to the presence of the Navy in the area. The retrieved stock of Tendu leaves has been kept in the custody of the Navy until they are produced for onward legal action.