By Roy Denish.
Sea cucumber smuggling operation in Mannar leads to 26 arrests, with the Navy seizing 10,000 kg of stock and 13 boats.
A major sea cucumber smuggling operation has been uncovered in Mannar, where the Navy seized approximately 10,000 kilograms of sea cucumbers illegally brought into Sri Lanka from India.
The Navy launched a special search operation in the South Bar area of Mannar after receiving a tip-off. The information indicated that smugglers were transporting sea cucumbers from India to Sri Lanka using several boats.
During the operation, Navy personnel confiscated 13 boats allegedly used in the smuggling operation. They also arrested 26 suspects who were aboard the vessels at the time.
The Navy handed the arrested individuals and seized boats to officials from the Mannar District Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources for further legal action.
Officials from the Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources are now taking steps to auction the seized sea cucumbers. The process is taking place in the presence of Navy and police personnel. Only individuals holding valid export licences will be eligible to purchase the seized stock.
Navy sources said search operations have intensified as authorities work to curb the continued illegal smuggling of sea cucumbers into the country.
