Navy nabs 18 persons with diving and fishing equipment

The Sri Lanka Navy apprehended 18 persons for their involvement in illegal fishing activities, during separate operations conducted in the coastal areas of Veththalakerni, Kadaikodu, Mamunei and Kudarappu in Jaffna on June 6. The operations also led to the seizure of 669 sea cucumbers, 06 dinghies as well as diving and fishing equipment used for illegal fishing.

The Naval Deployment Veththalakerni in the Northern Naval Command conducted several search operations on June 06 in the sea areas of Veththalakerni, Kadaikodu, Mamunei and Kudarappu and nabbed 18 individuals on charges of illegal harvesting of sea cucumbers, fishing without valid passes and possession of diving equipment beyond the approved limit. The individuals apprehended in these operations are residents of Kalpitiya, Mulliyan and Mannar, from 18 to 42 years of age. The accused along with the stock of sea cucumbers and other equipment were handed over to the office of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Department in Jaffna for further legal action.