In a series of coordinated search operations conducted by the Navy from 28 Feb to 09 Mar 25, twenty-six (26) individuals involved in various illegal fishing activities were apprehended. The individuals were caught engaging in practices such as illegal night diving, illegal harvesting of sea cucumbers, and the use of explosives for fishing. The operations spanned multiple locations, including Nandikadal Lagoon, Back Bay, Manmunai, Erakkandi, Veththalakerni, Batticaloa Lagoon, Mannar, Kudiramalei Point, and Kinniya. During the raids, authorities confiscated illegal fishing gear, including 233 trap nets, 12 trammel nets, 11 monofilament nets, and 2,130 sea cucumbers, as well as 02 cabs and 04 dinghies.

The Navy apprehended 02 suspects with about 855 bars of soap, attempted to be smuggled in, during a search operation conducted in the Ippanthivu sea area, Kalpitiya on the night of 11 Mar 25. The operation also led to the seizure of a dinghy used for this illegal act.