An individual has been arrested with 45 Water Gel sticks, a type of commercial explosive, during a search operation carried out in Erakkandi, Trincomalee yesterday (12).
The Sri Lanka Navy stated that the arrest was made while the suspect was carrying the explosive items for sale.
The use of explosives for fishing poses a serious threat to marine life and can cause long-lasting damage to marine ecosystems. The Sri Lanka Navy has been conducting regular operations to crack down on explosive fishing and other illegal fishing practices in the island waters.
The Navy stated that the special operation was conducted by SLNS Vijayaba in the Eastern Naval Command and Sardhapura Police Special Task Force (STF) in the Erakkandi area last night.
During the operation, the naval and STF personnel interrogated a suspicious person on the road and arrested him for the possession of 45 Water Gel sticks for sale by illegal means.
The Navy further stated that the suspect has been identified as a 45-year-old resident of the Erakkandi area.
The accused along with the stock of commercial explosives has been handed over to the Kuchchaveli Police for legal action. (NewsWire)