Over 1200 kilograms of Tendu leaves illegally brought into the country from India by boat have been seized in a raid conducted by officers of the Western Province North Crime Division. The consignment of Tendu leaves weighed 42 kilograms and is reported to be worth approximately Rs. 1 billion.
The raid was carried out in the Negombo area and the driver of the lorry transporting them and another suspect were arrested there.
Two Excise Officers had provided security for the transport of this Tendu leaves consignment and both of them were arrested, police sources said.