The Sri Lanka Navy on 12th January 2024 apprehended 16 individuals in the Nadukuda area of Mannar while transporting around 1280 sea cucumbers, sans valid license. The operation also resulted in the seizure of a cab used for this illicit activity.
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 SLNS Thammanna in the North Central Naval Command on 12th 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 about 1280 sea cucumbers being transported without valid license. Accordingly, the stock of sea cucumbers, the vehicle and 16 individuals in connection to the incident were held by the Navy.
The suspects held in this operation were identified as residents of Vankalei, Mannar and Weeravil areas, from 24 to 54 years of age. The accused along with the haul of sea cucumbers and the vehicle were handed over to the Assistant Directorate of Fisheries, Mannar for onward legal action.
