Navy recovers Kendu leaves consignment in Delft

A special search operation conducted by the Navy on Delft Island, Jaffna on Thursday (15) led to the recovery of more than 729kg (wet weight) of Kendu leaves. The consignment of Kendu leaves, which is believed to be smuggled, was found in the beach area of Delft Island.

The recovery was made by the naval establishment SLNS Wasaba in the Northern Naval Command, during a search operation conducted in the beach areas of Periyathurei, Samthoddamunai and Wellai of Delft. Upon the inspection of eight suspicious parcels washed ashore, naval personnel found about 729kg and 100g (wet weight) of Kendu leaves in those packages which were subsequently taken into the naval custody.

It is suspected that smugglers might have left behind the Kendu leaves as they were unable to bring them to land due to regular naval presence in the area. The stock of Kendu leaves which is in Navy custody will be produced for further legal proceedings.