Sri Lanka, Jan. 21 -- The Sri Lanka Navy arrested 13 individuals for conducting illegal night diving to harvest sea cucumbers on Monday (19), during a search operation conducted in the sea area of Walaipadu of Kilinochchi. The operation also led to the seizure of 1,108 illegally harvested sea cucumbers, four dinghies and diving equipment.

SLNS Buwaneka belonging to the North Central Naval Command mounted this search operation, leading to the arrest of the individuals, who were found actively engaged in the illicit activity.

The suspects held in this operation were identified as residents of Mannar, Pallimune, Thottaveli, Southbar and Eluthur aged between 29 and 67 years.

The suspects along with the sea cucumbers, dinghies and diving ge...