Navy seizes more than 60,000 smuggled sea cucumbers in Mannar coastal raid

The Sri Lanka Navy apprehended 26 suspects and seized approx. 60,448 sea cucumbers, during a search operation in the coastal vicinity of Southbar, Mannar on 9 July 2026. The haul is suspected to have been smuggled into the country by illegal means.

Naval personnel from SLNS Gajaba belonging to the North Central Naval Command mounted the search operation and apprehended the suspects along with the haul of sea cucumbers. In addition to the marine life, the Navy also took into custody 12 dinghies used in the illicit act.

The 26 individuals nabbed in the operation have been identified as residents of Mannar and Negombo areas, aged between 21 and 64.

The suspects along with the vast stock of sea cucumbers and seized dinghies were handed over to the Assistant Directorate of Fisheries in Mannar for onward legal action.