Navy apprehends 05 persons transporting sea cucumber suspected of being illegally harvested

The Sri Lanka Navy on 10th January 2024 apprehended 05 individuals in the Nadukuda area of Mannar while transporting around 1000 sea cucumbers, believed to have been unlawfully harvested. The operation also resulted in the seizure of a cab used for this illicit activity as well as diving equipment utilized by the suspects.

The Navy conducts regular operations in the coastal and sea areas of the island in order to suppress illegal fishing activities performed by people with scant regard towards responsible fishing practices.

As an extension of these efforts, this dedicated search operation was mounted by the Naval Detachment Oluthuduwai belonging to SLNS Gajaba in the North Central Naval Command on 10th January in Nadukuda area. In the course of this operation, naval personnel intercepted a cab and conducted a search based on suspicion, leading to the discovery of 1000 sea cucumbers believed to have been unlawfully harvested. Accordingly, the stock of sea cucumbers, diving equipment and 04 suspects were held by the Navy. Apart from that, the vehicle used for this illegal act and its driver were also held in this operation.

The suspects held in this operation were identified as residents of Mannar area, from 24 to 46 years of age. The accused along with the haul of sea cucumbers, diving gear and the vehicle were handed over to the Assistant Directorate of Fisheries, Mannar for onward legal action.