The Sri Lanka Navy has apprehended 26 suspects and seized approximately 60,448 sea cucumbers during a search operation in the coastal waters off Southbar, Mannar.
According to reports, the haul is suspected to have been smuggled illegally into the country.
Naval personnel from SLNS Gajaba of the North Central Naval Command conducted the operation, arresting the suspects and confiscating the sea cucumbers.
In addition, the Navy seized 12 dinghies used in the illicit activity. The suspects, aged between 21 and 64, are residents of Mannar and Negombo.
The individuals, along with the stock of sea cucumbers and the seized dinghies, have been handed over to the Assistant Directorate of Fisheries in Mannar for legal action. (Newswire)