A search operation conducted by the Navy in the sea area of Uchchamunai, Kalpitiya this morning (31st July 2024) led to the seizure of a dinghy loaded with smuggled dried turmeric weighing about 749kg and apprehension of 02 suspects.

During separate search operations conducted in the sea areas off Koneshwaram and Chapel Point in Trincomalee on 27th July 2024, the Navy and Coast Guard apprehended 27 persons for their involvement in illegal fishing activities. These operations also led to the confiscation of 05 dinghies and unauthorized fishing gear.

A search operation conducted by the Sri Lanka Navy on the Erumativu Island and its sea area, Kalpitiya on 26th July 2024, led to the recovery of about 1,276kg (wet weight) of Tendu leaves. It is believed the consignment of Tendu leaves was smuggled into the country via sea.

A search operation conducted by the Sri Lanka Navy in the Dadugama lagoon area of Negombo in the evening of 24th July 2024 resulted in the seizure of about 1780kg of smuggled Tendu leaves and apprehension of 02 suspects. Additionally, the Navy also confiscated 06 dinghies used for the racket.

The Sri Lanka Navy rendered assistance to bring ashore an ill fisherman who was in distress while aboard a local multi day fishing trawler, about 200 nautical miles (370km) off Galle. The fisherman was retrieved by SLNS Vijayabahu mid sea, on being coordinated by the Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) Colombo. After being brought ashore on 24th July 2024, he was rushed to the Teaching Hospital Karapitiya, for medical attention.

The Sri Lanka Navy rendered assistance to bring ashore an ill fisherman whose life was at risk while aboard a local multi day fishing trawler in southern waters of Sri Lanka. The fisherman was retrieved by a Merchant Vessel in the sea area, on being coordinated by the Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) Colombo. After being brought ashore on 24th July 2024, he was rushed to the Teaching Hospital Karapitiya, for medical attention.

The Sri Lanka Navy and Coast Guard conducted a special operation to chase away Indian trawlers poaching in Sri Lankan waters in the wee hours of 23rd July 2024. The operation led to the seizure of 02 Indian trawlers and apprehension of 09 Indian fishermen poaching in Sri Lankan waters off the Delft Island, Jaffna.

A search operation conducted by the Sri Lanka Navy in the Kudawa beach area, Kalpitiya on 21st July 2024 resulted in the apprehension of a suspect (01) and the seizure of approximately 189kg of smuggled Tendu leaves. Additionally, the Navy also confiscated a dinghy used for the racket.

A search operation conducted by the Navy in the beach vicinity stretching from Wellamundalama to Kolankanaththa in Puttalam in the evening of 17th July 2024 led to the recovery of about 778kg (wet weight) of dried turmeric. It is suspected that the consignment of dried turmeric was smuggled into the country via sea routes.

A search operation conducted by the Navy and Police Special Task Force (STF) led to the arrest of a suspect (01) with 350 Pregabalin capsules which had been made ready to sell. The coordinated operation was mounted at the Abayapura Junction in Trincomalee on 17th July 2024.