Navy apprehends 04 persons engaged in illegal fishing using unauthorized nets

The Navy apprehended 04 persons who engaged in illegal fishing using unauthorized fishing nets, during a patrol conducted in the sea area off Kokilai on 16^th April 2020.

Sri Lanka Navy has been conducting regular operations to curb illegal fishing practices performed by a handful of people giving scant regard on its repercussions. During a similar operation, a group of naval personnel attached to the Eastern Naval Command apprehended these 04 persons who engaged in illegal fishing using unauthorized fishing nets, in the sea area off Kokilai. During this operation, 01 dinghy, 01 unauthorized net, 01 outboard motor and several fishing gear were also taken into naval custody. The apprehended persons were identified as residents of Kokilai and Puttalam, from 25 to 38 years of age.

The accused along with the dinghy, outboard motor, fishing net and other fishing gear were handed over to the Pulmoddai Police for onward investigation.