r Ministry of Defence - Sri Lanka

SLN nabs smuggled dried turmeric and Kendu leaves

June 17, 2021

Sri Lanka Navy (SLN) nabbed 370 kilos and 600 grams of dried turmeric and 294 kilos and 100 grams of Kendu leaves in the beach areas of Konthampiddi, Mannar and Arippu in Silawathura, respectively, yesterday (June 16 ).

Two suspects were taken into custody along with 13 dried turmeric filled sacks during the raid at Konthampiddi beach, the SLN said.

In a separate operation, the SLN was able to find Kendu leaves in 03 sacks during a patrol conducted in Arippu beach, the SLN also said.

The persons involved in the racket were identified as residents of Palleimunai in Mannar, aged 33 and 37.

The suspects were handed over to the Mannar Public Health Inspector for quarantine.

Meanwhile, the stock of dried turmeric was handed over to the Jaffna Customs Office for onward legal action and the haul of Kendu leaves was held under naval custody until it is produced for onward legal proceedings.

The entire raid was conducted adhering to the healthcare guidelines, the news also confirmed.