A search operation conducted by the Navy in the beach vicinity of Palliyawasalpadu, Puttalam today (10th July 2024) led to the seizure of a dinghy loaded with smuggled dried turmeric weighing more than 1373kg and apprehension of 02 suspects.

Separate search operations conducted by the Sri Lanka Navy and Coast Guard on the Periya Arichchal Island in the Kalpitiya Lagoon and off Pesalai, Mannar on 08th and 09th July 2024 led to the seizure of more than 355kg (wet weight) of smuggled dried turmeric. The search operations also made way to apprehend 02 suspects and confiscation of a fishing trawler.

In a significant crackdown on wildlife smuggling, the Sri Lanka Navy deployed Sri Lanka Coast Guard ship Suraksha to seize a local multi-day fishing trawler and apprehend 05 suspects involved in smuggling of several bird and reptile species. The operation was mounted in the southern waters on 07th July 2024.

A search operation conducted by the Sri Lanka Navy in coordination with the Divisional Crime Detective Bureau - Mannar in the Vankalai area of Mannar on 08th July 2024 resulted in the apprehension of 03 suspects and the seizure of approximately 2888kg of Tendu leaves, suspected to have been smuggled into the country. Additionally, they also confiscated a cab and a lorry used to smuggle the stock of Tendu leaves.

A combined search operation conducted by the Navy and Colombo Central Divisional Crime Detective Bureau near the gate of Port City today (06th July 2024) led to the arrest of a suspect with about 3000 foreign cigarettes.

During a series of search operations conducted in the sea areas of Iranakerni and Nilaveli in Trincomalee, Kokilai in Mullaitivu, Chalai in Veththalakerni, Erakkandi and Elisabeth Point in Trincomalee from 30th June to 03rd July 2024, the Sri Lanka Navy apprehended 38 persons for their involvement in illegal fishing activities. These operations also led to the confiscation of 07 dinghies and unauthorized fishing gear.

The Sri Lanka Navy conducted a special operation to chase away Indian fishing boats poaching in Sri Lankan waters in the wee hours of 01st July 2024. The operation led to the seizure of 04 Indian dhows and apprehension of 25 Indian fishermen poaching in Sri Lankan waters off the Delft Island, Jaffna.

SLNS Vijayabahu brought the critical fisherman of “Devon 5” to the Hambantota harbour this morning (01st July 2024). Upon arrival, he was rushed to the General Hospital, Hambantota for medical attention.

The Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) Colombo coordinated the retrieval of 02 critically ill fishermen on the multi-day fishing trawler “Devon 5”, through the merchant ship ‘MV KOTA CAMIL’ this morning (30th June 2024). However, one of the two fishermen has tragically lost his life, while aboard the merchant ship. The remaining fisherman was transferred to SLNS Vijayabahu this evening (30th June), about 170 nautical miles (314 km) off Dondra.

Separate search operations conducted by the Sri Lanka Navy in the sea area of Mudalappai and land area of Norochcholai on 28th June 2024 led to the recovery of about 1713kg (wet weight) of Tendu leaves.