Two suspects with 58 Water Gel Sticks nabbed in Trincomalee

The Navy and Police nabbed 02 suspects with 58 Water Gel Sticks - a type of commercial explosive and 100 detonators, during a special search operation conducted at the Trincomalee Bus Stand on 18th March 2023. The apprehension was made when the suspects were transferring these items by a three-wheeler.

The Navy stays ever alert and conducts regular search operations to prevent illegal fishing practices carried out using explosives; as such activities deal a heavy blow to the marine ecosystem. Based on an intelligence operation conducted by SLNS Lankapatuna, Gokanna, Parakumba and Naval Dockyard in the Eastern Naval Command, the coordinated search was carried out with the assistance of Trincomalee Police. As a result, a suspicious three-wheeler was searched at the Trincomalee Bus Stand and 58 Water Gel Sticks and 100 detonators were recovered. Accordingly, the explosive items which were being transferred to sell in the area, the 02 suspects and the three-wheeler used for this activity were taken into custody.

It is believed that these commercial explosive items have been transferred, to be used for illegal fishing.

The suspects held in this operation are identified as residents of Nilaveli and Trincomalee, aged 33 and 34. The suspects together with explosive items and the three-wheeler were handed over to the Trincomalee Police for onward legal action.