Navy apprehends 03 suspects for illegal sea cucumber harvesting in Mannar

The Sri Lanka Navy apprehended a group of individuals (03) engaged in illegal night diving for unauthorized harvesting of sea cucumbers, during a search operation conducted in the Palakamunai sea area of Mannar, on 20 Mar 26.

The operation was executed by personnel from SLNS Pussadewa, belonging to the North Central Naval Command. While patrolling the waters off Palakamunai, the naval team intercepted and inspected a suspicious dinghy (01), leading to the discovery of 304 illegally harvested sea cucumbers. In addition to the catch, the Navy seized the dinghy and a set of diving equipment used for the illicit nighttime activity.

The apprehended suspects were identified as residents of Mannar, ranging in age from 21 to 43. Following the operation, the suspects, the stock of sea cucumbers, the dinghy, and the diving gear were all handed over to the Assistant Directorate of Fisheries in Mannar for formal investigation and further legal proceedings.