In a significant crackdown on marine wildlife trafficking, the Coastal Security Group (CSG) on Monday seized around 100 kg of sea cucumber from a secluded spot near a burial ground in Keechankuppam, Nagapattinam district. The illegal consignment, which included both boiled and raw sea cucumbers, was later handed over to the Forest Department for further action.
Acting on a tip-off, the CSG team conducted an early morning search in the bushy coastal area, where the protected species was found hidden. CSG officials confirmed the find and alerted the forest authorities to initiate legal proceedings.
This marks the second such seizure in Keechankuppam this month — last week, the CSG had confiscated 30 kg of sea cucumbers from the same locality.
Sea cucumbers are listed under Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, and their harvesting and trade are strictly prohibited in India due to their ecological importance and endangered status. They are often trafficked for use in traditional medicine and as a delicacy in international markets.
Authorities suspect the area is being used repeatedly by smugglers for staging illegal consignments and are intensifying patrols and surveillance along the coast.