Navy nabs 02 persons with a stock of dried sea cucumber in Kalpitiya

A special search operation mounted by the Navy in Kudawa beach area of Kalpitiya on 10th October 2023 led to the apprehension of 02 individuals who were in the process of preparing over 274kg of dried sea cucumbers for illegal transportation. Along with the stock of dried sea cucumber, believed to have been smuggled via sea, a cab used for this illegal act was also taken into the naval custody.

The Navy carries out regular search operations and patrols in the coastal and sea areas around the island, with a view to preventing nefarious acts and the influx of illegal items in to the country.

In continuation of these efforts, SLNS Vijaya in the Northwestern Naval Command carried out a search operation in Kudawa beach area in the dark hours of 10th October and inspected a suspicious cab at the beach. The search resulted in the apprehension of 02 persons who were in the process of preparing about 274kg and 800g of dried sea cucumber, believed to have been smuggled via sea, for illegal transportation. The Navy also held the cab used to transfer the stock of dried sea cucumber.

The suspects held in this operation are residents of Mannar and Kalpitiya, aged 37 and 41. The suspects along with the stock of dried sea cucumber and the cab were handed over to the Katunayake Customs Preventive Office for onward legal action.