Navy apprehends 04 persons with stock of sea cucumber in Vankalai

The Navy today (25^th February 2020) apprehended 04 persons for illegal harvesting of sea cucumber, at the beach area of Vankalai.

The Navy has been conducting regular operations to prevent illegal fishing practices in territorial waters and along the coast of the island. During a similar operation conducted by naval personnel in North Central Naval Command in the beach area of Vankalai in Mannar these suspects were held by the Navy. Along with the suspects 350 sea cucumbers, 01 dinghy, 01 outboard motor and fishing gear were taken into naval custody.

The apprehended persons have been identified as residents of Vankalai, from 31 to 53 years of age. The accused along with the stock of sea cucumber, dinghy and other fishing gear were handed over to the Fisheries Inspector of Mannar for onward investigation.