33 arrested in joint operations against illegal fishing

The Sri Lanka Navy, together with the Police and the Fisheries Inspectorate, has arrested 33 individuals and seized 18 dinghies engaged in illegal fishing activities across domestic waters.

According to the Navy, these special joint operations were conducted between 16 and 27 August.

The Eastern and Northern Naval Commands carried out the operations covering coastal and sea stretches in Trincomalee, Ilankanthai, Lankapatuna, Black Point, Arisimale, Nilaveli, Kalkudah, Kokkuthuduwai, Addukkupadu, Coconut Point, Batticaloa, Vettalakeni, and Kaddaikadu.

The Navy stated that the arrested suspects, fishing craft, and banned fishing gear were handed over to the Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Department offices in Kuchchaveli, Cod Bay, Muttur, Mullaitivu, Kokkilai, Jaffna, and Batticaloa, as well as the Kalkudah and Nilaveli Police Stations for further legal action.