A total of 36 individuals have been arrested by the Sri Lanka Navy for engaging in various illegal fishing activities across multiple coastal areas.
The arrests were made during search operations carried out with the support of fisheries inspectors in the sea areas of Kotuwamada, Sallikovil, Erakkandi, Elephant Island, Nandikadal, Kalladi, Point Pedro, and Alampil.
During the raids, the Navy seized 117 unauthorized fishing nets, nine dinghies, 3,808 illegally harvested sea cucumbers, data logger instruments, explosives, and equipment used for light-coarse fishing.
The arrested suspects, along with the confiscated fishing boats and unauthorized gear, were handed over to the respective fisheries inspectors in Batticaloa, Trincomalee, Cod Bay, Mullaitivu, Mamunei, Point Pedro, and Vakarei for legal proceedings.
