Navy intercepts 03 dinghies smuggling more than 2000kg of sea cucumber in Kalpitiya seas

Colombo, Sri Lanka: The Sri Lanka Navy intercepted 03 dinghies while they were smuggling a large haul of sea cucumber weighing around 2032kg (wet weight), via sea. The apprehension was made off Uchchamunai, Kalpitiya, during a search operation carried out in the dark hours of 08th January 2024. The operation also led to the apprehension of 06 suspects in connection to this illegal act.

The Navy consistently remains vigilant and conducts operations to curb illegal fishing in the sea and coastal areas of Sri Lanka, while also encouraging lawful fishing practices.

In a similar effort, the operation was carried out by a team of Special Boat Squadron personnel attached to SLNS Vijaya in the Northwestern Naval Command. During the operation carried out in the dark hours of 08th January, naval personnel searched 03 suspicious dinghies in the sea area of Uchchamunai and found that they have been smuggling sea cucumber weighing around 2032kg (wet weight) which had been stuffed in 71 sacks. As such, those 03 dinghies, the haul of sea cucumber and 06 suspects aboard were taken into the naval custody.

The suspects apprehended in this operation were identified as residents of Kalpitiya and Thalawila areas, from 21 to 43 years of age. The accused along with 03 dinghies and sea cucumber stock were handed over to the Customs Preventive Office – Katunayake for onward legal action.

Source: (Sri Lanka Navy)