Navy nabs 50 persons over illegal fishing activities

The Navy conducted operations against illegal fishing from 1 to 15 August 2026 in coordination with the Police and the Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources. During these operations, 50 individuals were apprehended and 24 dinghies were seized.

The operations were conducted in coastal areas covering Trincomalee, Arisimale, Pigeon Island, Nayaru, Boulder Point, Adukkupadu, Nilaveli, Veththalakerni, Kaddaikadu in Jaffna, and South Bar and Thalpaadu in Mannar. The operations, carried out by the Eastern, Northern and North Central Naval Commands, targeted fishing activities using prohibited methods and equipment.

The suspects, along with commercial explosives, banned fishing gear and fishing boats seized during the operations, were handed over to the offices of the Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources in Trincomalee, Mullaitivu, Jaffna and Mannar, as well as the Uppuweli and Maradankerni Police stations and the Special Task Force camp in Pulmudai.