Navy apprehends suspect with commercial explosives in Trincomalee

A special search operation carried out by the Navy with Police near the bus stand of Trincomalee led to the apprehension of a person for carrying ten (10) water gel sticks – a type of commercial explosive and fifteen (15) non-electric detonators on 23rd November 2023.

The use of explosives for fishing poses a serious threat to marine life and can cause long-lasting damage to the marine ecosystems. Thus, the Sri Lanka Navy has been conducting regular operations to crack down on fishing using explosives and other illegal fishing practices in the island waters.

In a similar operation, SLNS Walagamba and Vijayaba in the Eastern Naval Command conducted this special coordinated operation near the bus stand of Trincomalee, with the assistance of the Trincomalee Police. During the operation, a person was searched on suspicion and ten (10) water gel sticks and fifteen (15) non-electric detonators were found from his possession. Thus, the suspect was held along with the explosive items.

It is suspected that the explosive items have been carried with the intention of using them for illegal fishing activities. The suspect is a resident of Senthur in Poduwakattu, aged 31. The individual along with the explosive items was handed over to the Trincomalee Police for onward legal action.