Navy apprehends two persons with cache of explosive used for illegal fishing

The Navy joint with the Police recovered a cache of explosive used for illegal fishing, during a search operation conducted at Narapadu and at Pudukuduirippu in Thalaimannar on 13^th July 2020.

Since explosive fishing can wreak havoc on the marine ecosystem, the Navy is frequently conducting operations to thwart such illegal attempts. As extension of such operations, a team of naval personnel attached to the North Central Naval Command in coordination with Police Division Vice Squad-Mannar carried out a sudden search operation in Narapadu area and searched a suspicious house. By the search, 11 water gel sticks which were hidden underground the house and a suspect were apprehended. Following the information received from him another suspect was apprehended with 10 non electric detonators which were concealed at a house in Pudukuduirippu.

The suspects have been identified as residents of Erukkulampiddi area, aged 39 and 45. Further investigation on the suspects and explosive items are conducted by the Mannar Police.