Twenty-two (22) persons involved in various illegal fishing activities were apprehended along with 05 dinghies in several locations off the coast of Sri Lanka, in multiple operations conducted from 23 to 31 July 2025.

The arrests were made during separate operations conducted by the Navy in coordination with the Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources.

Meanwhile, 01 person with 210 unauthorized fishing nets was also nabbed during another operation conducted with the Police.

According to the Navy, the group of 22 suspects were arrested by the Eastern and North Central Naval Commands in the coastal areas of Cod Bay, Kumburupiddi, Kinniya, Flag Staff Point and Muttur in Trincomalee and Karativu in Mannar.

They were nabbed for fishing with unauthorized nets and explosives, and engaging in illegal diving, while Naval personnel also held 06 unauthorized fishing nets and 05 dinghies during the operations.

Similarly, during a combined search operation conducted in the Kantale area by the Eastern Naval Command in collaboration with the Kantale Police, one suspect was arrested with 210 unauthorized fishing nets prepared for sale. 

The suspects, along with fishing boats and unauthorized gear seized in these raids, were handed over to the offices of the Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources in Trincomalee, Cod Bay and Mannar, as well as Kuchchaveli and Kantale Police stations for legal proceedings. (Newswire)

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