Three persons were arrested here on Wednesday in connection with the smuggling of live corals (massive fabia) weighing 840 kilograms.
Based on the instructions from the Wildlife Warden, Gulf of Mannar, Marine National Park, M. Sundarakumar, Conservator of Forest H. Mallesappa, Virudhunagar, with the combined efforts of the personnel from Wildlife, Coastal Security Group and Department of Police, conducted a raid and seized the corals from the accused near Milavittan on Wednesday.
Investigations revealed that there was a plan to consign the live corals to Kanyakumari District for ornamental purposes, S. Pitchaiya, Forest Ranger, Tuticorin said.
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Jayabalan, DSP (Rural), and T. Jeyaraj, Forester, were present. The arrested persons from Tuticorin were A. Jeisingh (42), K. Samuel Rajan (39) and R. Raju (27). Search was on to nab K. Thommai (35) and Kabir (38) of Threspuram, the other hands behind the crime.