The Navy has been conducting regular patrols in island’s waters for the prevention of illegal fishing practices to secure the marine resources. As an extension of these operations, naval vessel attached to the North Central Naval Command on patrol in the seas off Walaipadu, held these 02 persons who had stored equipment used for diving without holding a permit, on a temporary hut built in shallow waters. Along with the persons 15 oxygen cylinders, 03 regulators, 01 diving mask, 01 sword and few other diving gear were seized by the Navy.

The suspects are residents of Walaipadu area aged 19 and 43 and they along with the seized items were handed over to Jepuram Police for further investigation.