In a significant operation, the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) seized 450 kg of sea cucumbers from a fishing boat near Mandapam in Ramanathapuram district. The haul, valued at approximately Rs 1.8 crore, marks the fifth such smuggling attempt foiled by the ICG in the Palk Strait region this year.The interception occurred when an ICG team, patrolling north of Mandapam harbour, spotted a suspicious fishing boat loaded with gunny bags approaching the shore. Sensing something amiss, the Coast Guard officials closed in on the boat. Upon reaching the shore, the boat’s occupants attempted to offload the sea cucumbers but abandoned them upon realizing that the ICG team was closing in fast.
While the smugglers managed to flee into the dense foliage nearby, the Coast Guard team successfully confiscated their boat along with the illicit cargo. The seized sea cucumbers, a protected species under the Wildlife Protection Act of 1972, were later secured by the authorities.
The Palk Strait area, which lies along the International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL), has become a hotspot for various smuggling activities, including gold, tendu leaves, and narcotics. Despite the frequent attempts, the Indian Coast Guard’s vigilance has played a crucial role in curbing illegal activities in the region.