The Sri Lanka Navy and Coast Guard seized over 992kg of Kendu leaves, 140,000 foreign cigarettes and a stock of pesticide during coordinated sea operations off Chilaw and Thoduwawa on 21 February.

Two suspects and a dinghy were taken into custody.

The operation was carried out by SLNS Vijaya of the Northwestern Naval Command with Coast Guard support.

Authorities suspect the smugglers abandoned the stock due to increased naval surveillance in the area.