Navy takes hold of smuggled dried sea cucumber and contraband in Kalpitiya seas

A search operation conducted by the Sri Lanka Navy off Sinnaarichchalai, Kalpitiya on the night of 18th May 2023, led to the apprehension of 02 suspects with about 193kg (wet weight) of dried sea cucumber and several other contraband items being smuggled. The Navy also seized a dinghy used by the suspects, for this illegal act.

The Navy carries out regular search operations and patrols in the coastal and sea areas around the island, with a view to preventing nefarious acts and the influx of contraband items in to the country.

As an extension of these efforts, a team of Navy Marines attached to SLNS Vijaya in the Northwestern Naval Command conducted this search using small craft in the sea area of Sinnaarichchalai on 18th May. Accordingly, naval personnel intercepted a suspicious dinghy approaching the beach and recovered the contraband items aboard. Among the recovered items were; about 193kg (wet weight) of dried sea cucumber, 33600 shampoo packets (6ml each), 198 balm vials (50g each), 1 A/C plant and 1 Voltage Stabilizer (230 V). Thus, the suspects, contraband items and the dinghy were taken into naval custody.

The 02 suspects along with the items seized during this operation were handed over to the Customs Preventive Office in Katunayake for onward legal action.