12 arrested over sea cucumber smuggling in Mannar

The Sri Lanka Navy has arrested 12 suspects and seized more than 14,000 sea cucumbers in an operation targeting illegal smuggling activities in Mannar.

The suspects were apprehended on July 28 during a search operation at South Bar beach and nearby coastal areas, where naval personnel intercepted a consignment of 14,072 sea cucumbers allegedly being smuggled by sea and prepared for transport by land without the required permits.

The operation, carried out by personnel attached to SLNS Gajaba of the North Central Naval Command following intelligence, also resulted in the seizure of three dinghies and two motorcycles.

The suspects, aged between 24 and 46, are residents of the Mannar area. They, along with the seized sea cucumbers, dinghies and motorcycles, were handed over to the Assistant Directorate of Fisheries in Mannar for legal proceedings. (Newswire)

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