Synopsis
In a decisive operation, the Indian Coast Guard intercepted a consignment of illegally harvested sea cucumbers off the North Vedalai coast, highlighting their commitment to marine biodiversity protection and ongoing anti-smuggling efforts.Key Takeaways
- Indian Coast Guard intercepts illegal sea cucumbers.
- 145 kg of sea cucumbers seized, valued at Rs 58 lakh.
- Operation underscores commitment to marine biodiversity.
- Coast Guard continues anti-smuggling efforts.
- Recent successful operations illustrate vigilance at sea.
Chennai, April 14 (NationPress) In a significant operation targeting marine wildlife trafficking, the Indian Coast Guard Station (ICGS), Mandapam, successfully intercepted a large shipment of unlawfully harvested sea cucumbers off the North Vedalai coast.
The Indian Coast Guard stated on Monday that, acting on specific intelligence regarding suspicious activities near a beaching point, their personnel promptly initiated an operation that resulted in the seizure of around 145 kilograms of sea cucumbers, which are a protected marine species under the Wildlife Protection Act.
An official revealed that the confiscated shipment is valued at approximately Rs 58 lakh, according to publicly available data.
He highlighted that this operation not only disrupted an attempt to illegally transship endangered marine species but also reinforced the commitment to safeguarding India’s maritime biodiversity.
“The Coast Guard has reiterated its vigilance in protecting the nation’s maritime interests, continuing its anti-smuggling and anti-poaching efforts, along with initiatives for marine environmental protection,” he stated.
The official noted that this is the latest in a series of successful operations conducted by ICG Mandapam.
In a recent anti-narcotics operation near the Indo-Sri Lankan International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL), an Air Cushion Vehicle (ACV) recovered 12 abandoned packages on First Island.
Upon examination, authorities confiscated 53.62 kg of ganja valued at Rs 60 lakh, which has been handed over to the Customs Department for further proceedings.
In March 2024, the Coast Guard, along with the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI), Chennai, seized 99 kg of hashish worth Rs 108 crore from a country boat heading to Sri Lanka in the Gulf of Mannar.
Based on intelligence gathered by DRI’s Chennai Zonal Unit, surveillance was established using a Coast Guard vessel. During early morning hours, a suspicious country boat was detected and intercepted after a brief chase. Upon inspection, five sacks containing 111 packets of hashish - a sticky brown substance confirmed using field testing kits - were uncovered and seized under the NDPS Act.
Three individuals aboard were arrested and brought to the ICG Station in Mandapam.
During questioning, they confessed to receiving the narcotics from a supplier at Pamban and were en route to deliver them to unidentified recipients from Sri Lanka in international waters.
Preliminary investigations indicated that the narcotics were sourced from various regions in India for onward transshipment to Sri Lanka using traditional country boats.
The primary supplier, based in Pamban, is thought to have orchestrated the entire smuggling operation.
The Indian Coast Guard has reaffirmed its zero-tolerance policy towards maritime crimes, particularly those involving smuggling, poaching, and threats to marine ecology.
