Two tonnes of banned sea cucumber seized at Mandapam in Tamil Nadu

Indian Coast Guard has seized two tonnes of banned sea cucumber in Tamil Nadu's Mandapam. The teams were deployed in the Gulf of Mannar and Palk Bay areas to effectively cordon the likely escape by sea route. Subsequently, a boat was intercepted carrying 200 bags of sea cucumber weighing 2000 kg yesterday. 

The boat was anchored about 15 kms off Vedalai



South of Mandapam without crew. The value of seized sea cucumbers is reported to be about 8 core rupees. Sea cucumbers are in high demand in China and Southeast Asia. 

On investigation, it was found that the consignment was planned for transshipment across the International Maritime Boundary Line during dark hours.