The Sri Lanka Navy has apprehended 09 persons for the illegal harvesting of sea cucumbers in Mannar.
The Navy stated that the suspects were arrested during a special operation conducted off Achchankulam in Mannar early today (05).
The operation also led to the seizure of diving gear, 01 dinghy boat, and 168 illegally harvested sea cucumbers.
The Navy stated that it conducts constant operations in coastal and sea areas around the island to prevent various forms of illegal fishing activities.
The apprehended persons were identified as residents of Vankalai in Mannar, aged between 25 to 58 years.
The persons and their belongings held in this operation were handed over to the Fisheries Inspector of Mannar to initiate legal action.
Meanwhile, the Navy has apprehended a total of 126 suspects and held 18, 369 sea cucumbers during operations in 2022. (NewsWire)