Separate search operations conducted by the Sri Lanka Navy and Coast Guard on the Periya Arichchal Island in the Kalpitiya Lagoon and off Pesalai, Mannar on 08th and 09th July 2024 led to the seizure of more than 355kg (wet weight) of smuggled dried turmeric. The search operations also made way to apprehend 02 suspects and confiscation of a fishing trawler.

In a significant crackdown on wildlife smuggling, the Sri Lanka Navy deployed Sri Lanka Coast Guard ship Suraksha to seize a local multi-day fishing trawler and apprehend 05 suspects involved in smuggling of several bird and reptile species. The operation was mounted in the southern waters on 07th July 2024.