The Navy apprehended 12 suspects on Tuesday (28), during a search operation covering the South Bar beach and adjoining coastal areas in Mannar, seizing more than 14,000 sea cucumbers that were being smuggled by sea and prepared for overland transportation without the required permits. The operation also led to the seizure of three dinghies and two motorcycles. The operation was conducted by personnel attached to the Naval Service Gajaba of the North Central Naval Command, following credible information. During the search, Naval personnel inspected three suspicious dinghies and two motorcycles, uncovering this consignment of 14,072 sea cucumbers. The 12 suspects, aged between 24 and 46, were identified as residents of the Mannar area. The suspects, together with the seized stock of sea cucumbers, dinghies and motorcycles, were handed over to the Assistant Directorate of Fisheries in Mannar for onward legal proceedings.