Naval troops hold 45 suspects with 4,040 sea cucumbers

The Navy carried out several operations from April to June 5 in the Northern and North Central Naval Commands and held 45 suspects with 4,040 illegally harvested sea cucumbers and diving gear in Walaipadu and Kiranchi in seas off Vettalakeni, Nagarkovil and Point Pedro.

Forty five persons have been nabbed with 4,040 illegally harvested sea cucumbers. Fourteen dinghies, a cab and several diving gear have been seized.

The suspects were residents of Kalpitiya, Vankalai, Vettalakeni, Mannar, Pooneryn, Norochcholai, Aliyawalai, Pallavarayankattu, Kumulamunai, Weravil and Mulliyan. They are in the age groups of 23 to 57 years. The suspects were handed over to the Fisheries Inspectors of Kilinochchi and Jaffna.