A person with illegally harvested sea cucumbers arrested in Silawathura

A special search operation conducted by the Navy and Police in the Puthukuduirippu area of Silawathura on the morning of 13th August 2024, led to the arrest of a suspect with 482 illegally harvested sea cucumbers, made ready for sale.

The Navy carries out regular search operations and patrols in the coastal and sea areas around the island, with a view to preventing illegal fishing practices.

In continuation of these efforts, SLNS Therapuththa in the Northwestern Naval Command conducted this operation, with the assistance of Silawathura Police in the Puthukuduirippu area. After searching a house in the locality on suspicion, the suspect was arrested, having found 482 illegally harvested sea cucumbers which had been made ready for sale in the house.

The suspect held in this operation was identified as a resident of Silawathura, aged 29. The suspect together with 482 sea cucumbers was handed over to the Silawathura Police for onward legal action.