30 kg of processed sea cucumber, meant to be smuggled to Sri Lanka, seized in Nagapattinam
Acting on a tip-off about sea cucumbers being readied for smuggling, Additional Superintendent of Police (Coastal Security Group) Sivasankaran directed a team led by Inspector Ramesh Kumar and Sub-Inspector Anandavadivel to investigate the area near Salt Road's Puthu Theru in Keechankuppam.
Upon arriving at the location on Wednesday, the police spotted a group of individuals who fled upon seeing the team. A subsequent search of the premises revealed 30 kg of processed sea cucumbers concealed and prepared for illegal transport overseas.
Sea cucumber is a protected marine species under Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, and its harvest and trade is banned in India. However, it remains in high demand in international markets, especially in parts of Southeast Asia, due to its perceived medicinal and culinary value.
Following standard procedure, the seized consignment was handed over to the Forest Department
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