Navy assists seizure of explosives used for illegal fishing

The Navy apprehended a suspect along with a stock of explosives used for illegal fishing, during a coordinated search carried out with Police STF in Uppural, Seruwila on 19^th March 2020.

Explosive fishing causes great damage on marine ecosystem. Therefore Sri Lanka Navy has been continuing its operations to prevent these illegal activities. A group of naval personnel attached to the Eastern Naval Command, during a search operation carried out with Kanthalai Police STF, intercepted a suspicious motorbike in Uppural, Seruwila. During further search, troops found over 1 kilogram of unidentified type of gunpowder, 02 water gel sticks, safety fuses, 02 non electric detonators and 01 charger. Accordingly, the suspect and exclusive items were taken into custody.

The accused was a resident of Wallikeni in Muttur, aged 42. The suspect,motorbike and the explosive items were handed over to the Serunuwara Police for onward investigation.