In a crackdown launched by Coastal Security Group personnel here on Thursday night, attempts to smuggle sea cucumber, a prohibited species protected under Schedule -I of The Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, were thwarted and two persons were arrested.
As many as 300 kg of sea cucumbers were seized from the duo, who were caught in a brick godown at Thiraviyarathinagar here.
Based on a tip-off, the CSG personnel, led by Inspector of Police, C. Muhesh Jeyakumar traced a car that transporting the contraband near Third Mile here. Sources told The Hindu that the car used for transporting the contraband, a gas stove and cylinder were also seized.
When the CSG personnel entered the godown, the accused were boiling sea cucumbers.
Mr. Jeyakumar said the duo were hired criminals being paid a sum of ₹10,000 each by A. K. S. Abdul Kadar of Threspuram, for collecting such sea cucumbers.
He said the sea cucumbers were boiled and dried up before they were despatched to the buyers. CSG Deputy Superintendent of Police, N. K. Stanley said four cases on similar charges had been booked in Thoothukudi so far this yearand eight men accused of smuggling were arrested.
The arrested were identified as C. Murugan (35) of Housing Board, State Bank Colony, Thoothukudi and K. Ravi (23) of the same locality here, sources said. T
hey were arrested under Sections 9, 39,40 and 51 under the Wildlife Protection Act 1972.
