Four Indian fishermen arrested for poaching in Northern waters

Four Indian fishermen were arrested by the Navy this week for poaching in Sri Lankan territorial waters of North, Navy said.  Their  fishing trawler and fishing accessories were also taken into naval custody. 

Although operations to prevent poaching by foreign fishermen in Sri Lankan waters have been restricted due to COVID-19 concerns, the Navy said it resumed its raids on poaching since last week, apprehending 36 Indian nationals and five of their fishing trawlers on  December 15.

Consequently, the special operation carried out by the Northern Naval Command in the sea area off the Eluvativu Island today made way to apprehend 04 Indian nationals along with their trawler for poaching in Sri Lankan waters.

The entire operation was conducted adhering to the COVID-19 preventive guidelines and further investigations are currently underway with regard to the 04 accused and the fishing trawler held by the Navy. Meanwhile, arrangements are being made to direct the apprehended Indian nationals for 14 days of quarantine, the Navy said.