Navy Seizes 1,600kg of Tendu Leaves

COLOMBO (News 1st) - Ten suspects were arrested following a Navy operation that intercepted an attempt to illegally bring a consignment of tendu leaves into the country.

The operation was conducted by a Navy ship in sea areas off Chilaw, where officers discovered around 1,600 kilograms of the leaves being transported.

Navy Spokesperson Commander Buddhika Sampath said that four Indian nationals aboard an Indian vessel and six Sri Lankan suspects were taken into custody. 

Three local dinghies allegedly involved in the smuggling attempt were also seized during the operation.

The Sri Lankan suspects are reported to be residents of Kalpitiya.