A coordinated operation conducted by the Navy and Police STF in Samudragama, Trincomalee on 08th April 2024, led to the arrest of a drug peddler (01) with over 6g of heroin.

The Navy apprehended 08 persons for their involvement in illegal harvesting of sea cucumber, during a search operation carried out in the sea and beach areas of Nagar Kovil, Kilinochchi on 08th April 2024. The operation also led to the seizure of 540 illegally harvested sea cucumbers, 04 dinghies and diving gear.

A local fishing trawler in distress was rescued by the Indian Coast Guard with the coordination of the Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) in Colombo. The rescued trawler is now being towed back to Sri Lanka by another local fishing trawler. The troubled fishing trawler experienced an engine malfunction while navigating in the northern waters, approximately 91 kilometers away from Point Pedro, and was adrift, edging closer towards Indian territory.

A special search operation conducted by the Navy in Awalsandi beach area in Kankasanthurai on 08th April 2024 led to the apprehension of 02 suspects with over 50kg of cashew nuts and more than 205kg of dried ginger. These items, believed to have been smuggled via sea routes, were found in a three-wheeler (01) which was also taken into the naval custody.

A special search operation conducted by the Navy in the beach area of Jinnapuram, Pulmoddai on 05th April 2024, led to the recovery of 06 water gel sticks, which are used as commercial explosives, 01 safety fuse and 20 non electric detonators.

The Sri Lanka Navy apprehended 07 persons for their involvement in illegal fishing using unauthorized fishing gear, during a search operation conducted in Rathugala sea area, Trincomalee in the dark hours of 04th April 2024. A dinghy (01) and unauthorized fishing equipment used for this illegal act were also taken into the naval custody, during this operation.

A coordinated operation conducted by the Navy and Police in Kalmunai on 04th April 2024, led to the arrest of a suspect (01) with 5033 prescription drugs, made ready for sale without valid licence.

The Navy apprehended 05 persons who were transferring illegally harvested sea cucumber, during a search carried out in Achchankulam of Mannar in the wee hours of today (04th April 2024). The illicit harvest of sea cucumbers, undertaken under the cover of night and without valid license, comprised 589 of these marine creatures. In addition, the Navy also held 03 motor scooters and diving gear.

A search operation conducted by the Navy led to the recovery of about 469kg and 500g of Tendu leaves in the Mampuri beach area, Norochcholai this morning (02nd April 2024). The Navy also seized a lorry (01) along with a stock of Tendu leaves, suspected to have been smuggled by sea and prepared for transportation.

The Sri Lanka Navy rendered assistance to bring ashore an ill fisherman whose life was at risk while aboard a local fishing trawler in southern waters of Sri Lanka. The fisherman was retrieved by a nearby bulk carrier, on being coordinated by the Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) Colombo. After being brought ashore, he was rushed to the Teaching Hospital Karapitiya, Galle for medical attention.