Puttalam: The Sri Lanka Navy has seized approximately 468 kilograms of smuggled Kendu leaves during a search operation conducted in Puttalam. The operation was carried out recently in the beach area of Erambugodella by SLNS Vijaya attached to the Northwestern Naval Command. During the search, naval personnel recovered 15 suspicious sacks containing the Kendu leaves.

According to News.LK, the stock is believed to have been abandoned by smugglers due to increased naval surveillance in the area. The seized consignment was later handed over to the Puttalam Excise Office for onward legal action.