The Navy has been conducting regular search operations in territorial waters of the island to preserve the fishery resources. Accordingly, naval personnel attached to the Eastern Naval Command, during a patrol conducted in the sea area off Uppural, Mutur, apprehended these 03 persons for engaging in illegal fishing using banned nets. Along with the suspects, 01 unauthorized fishing net, 01 dinghy and01 outboard motor were also taken into naval custody.

The accused who are from 30 to 42 years of age were identified as residents of Kinniya in Trincomalee. Meanwhile, the apprehended persons together with the seized items were handed over to the Assistant Directorate of Fisheries in Trincomalee for onward investigation.