In an effort to safeguard the nation’s marine resources, the Sri Lanka Navy, in collaboration with the Coast Guard and the Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, conducted a series of coordinated operations across island waters from 01 to 15 Apr 26.

Being a key frontline stakeholder in the national mission, 'A Nation United,' the Navy continues to maintain a vigilant maritime shield to eradicate the drug menace from society. During yet another successful operation on the high seas south of Sri Lanka, the Navy intercepted a local multi-day fishing trawler (01) and apprehended four suspects (04) in connection with the smuggling of a stock of suspected narcotics.

The Sri Lanka Navy apprehended 03 suspects along with over 26kg of turtle flesh during a search operation conducted in the Vankalai beach area of Mannar on 14 Apr 26.

During an operation conducted in the dark hours of 13 Apr 26, the Sri Lanka Navy seized 01 Indian fishing boat and apprehended 04 Indian fishermen while they were poaching in Sri Lankan waters, in the sea area north of Mannar.

During an operation conducted in the dark hours of 11 Apr 26, the Sri Lanka Navy seized 01 Indian fishing boat and apprehended 12 Indian fishermen while they were poaching in Sri Lankan waters, off Kovilam in Kareinagar, Jaffna.

The Sri Lanka Navy apprehended 06 individuals for illegal night diving to harvest sea cucumbers during a search operation conducted at the Nagar Kovil beach area in Jaffna on the morning of 10 Apr 26.

In continuous efforts to curb smuggling, the Sri Lanka Navy took hold of approximately 907kg of smuggled dried turmeric during search operations conducted on 06 and 07 Apr 26 in the coastal vicinity of Bangalawatta and Sethawadi in Kalpitiya.

During an operation conducted in the dark hours of 08 Apr 26, the Sri Lanka Navy seized 01 Indian fishing boat and apprehended 10 Indian fishermen while they were poaching in Sri Lankan waters, in the sea area North of Mannar.

The Sri Lanka Navy apprehended 36 individuals along with a haul of 1750 Nos sea cucumbers during a search operation conducted in the sea of Illuppukadawai, Mannar in the dark hours of 30 Mar 26. The search operation also led to the seizure of 06 dinghies and diving gear used for this illegal act.

The Sri Lanka Navy ward off a smuggling attempt in the seas of Kirimundalama, Kalpitiya on 31 Mar 26, seizing about 98kg haul of cardamom and apprehending 02 individuals involved in the illegal transfer.