(UTV|COLOMBO) – Sri Lanka Navy apprehended 27 persons engaged in illegal acts at several locations in the island during the past few days. The suspects were held for engaging in illegal fishing.
Accordingly, naval personnel attached to an Inshore Patrol Craft deployed in the Eastern Naval Command apprehended ten (10) persons who were practicing illegal fishing in the seas off the Elephant Island on 21st May. A dinghy and a banned fishing net were also taken into naval custody. The suspects along with the dinghy and fishing gear were handed over to the Assistant Director of Fisheries-Trincomalee for onward legal action.
Meanwhile, naval troops attached to the Northern Naval Command, in coordination with the Sri Lanka Coast Guard held fourteen (14) persons who were engaging in illegal fishing in sea area of Point Pedro on 23rd and 24th May. Five dinghies, diving gear, three hundred and seventy seven (377) sea cucumber were also taken in to naval custody. The apprehended persons, dinghies, diving gear and the hoard of sea cucumber were handed over to the Inspector of Fisheries- Point Pedro for onward action.
Further, on 26th May, naval personnel attached to the Northern Naval Command, with the assistance of Sri Lanka Coast Guard apprehended three (03) persons for engaging in illegal fishing in the sea area of Point Pedro. A dinghy, diving gear, two hundred and seventy six (276) sea cucumber were also seized by them. The apprehended persons along with the dinghy, fishing gear, 3 conch shells and the stock of sea cucumber were handed over to the Inspector of Fisheries- Point Pedro for onward legal action.
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