Sri Lanka’s navy arrested 10 Indian fishermen who were allegedly poaching in the country’s territorial waters during a special operation on Sunday night.

The navy said in a statement on Monday that it also seized a trawler, which the fishermen were in.

The Indians were engaging in illegal fishing in Sri Lankan waters north of Point Pedro, Jaffna, the navy alleged.

It added that the 10 Indian fishermen and trawlers were brought to Kankasanthurai harbour.

On Saturday night, the navy apprehended 12 Indian fishermen and seized three trawlers.

The navy said it conducted regular patrols in Sri Lankan waters to curb illegal fishing.

It also said it considered the consequences of the practice on the livelihood of local fishermen and the marine resources of South Asian countries.

The navy recently said it arrested 343 people who allegedly engaged in illegal activities and confiscated thousands of kilogrammes of contraband in 2023.  

(Xinhua/NAN)