The Navy seized over 2,000kg of smuggled Kendu leaves during a search operation off Chilaw on 28 April.

The operation led to the interception of an Indian dhow carrying four Indian nationals, along with three local dinghies involving six suspects linked to the smuggling racket.

Naval personnel observed the dhow attempting to transfer suspicious cargo to the dinghies and recovered 54 sacks of Kendu leaves during the inspection.

The Sri Lankan suspects, aged between 21 and 42, are residents of Kalpitiya, while the Indian nationals are aged between 18 and 50.

The suspects, along with the seized stock and vessels, have been handed over to the Colombo Port Customs Preventive Office for further legal action.