COLOMBO, Jan. 24 (Xinhua) -- The Sri Lankan navy on Tuesday seized over 1,100 kg of smuggled Kendu leaves in a lagoon in Negombo on the western coast of the country.
Kendu leaves are used to manufacture a product called beedi, which is a cigarette without a filter, and can only be imported after obtaining a license.
The navy said it also arrested two suspects and apprehended two boats used for smuggling the contraband.
Around 2,500 kg of Kendu leaves were detected on January 18 as well, according to the navy. The Sri Lankan navy, in coordination with the Coast Guard, conducts regular patrols and search operations to ward off illegal activities.
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