Sri Vijaya Puram, August 9: Nine Myanmar nationals have been apprehended in North and Middle Andaman after a coordinated police and Indian Coast Guard operation against suspected illegal poaching in the coastal areas of Diglipur led to the seizure of about 300 kg of sea cucumber.
The operation, code-named “Operation Blue Shield”, began on July 28 after North and Middle Andaman District Police received credible information from a local fisherman about a suspected foreign poacher’s dinghy. Authorities subsequently received information about a suspicious dinghy near Hiran Tikrey, behind Smith Island.
A coordinated search traced the dinghy near Smith Island, where the vessel was found abandoned. Police seized approximately 300 kg of sea cucumber and lifesaving equipment found on board in accordance with legal procedure.
The suspected foreign poachers fled into the adjoining dense forest after abandoning the dinghy. Following the development, anti-poaching teams from police stations in Diglipur, Kalighat and Mayabunder began sustained searches across the area.
The teams carried out intensive patrolling, systematic area combing and intelligence-led searches while maintaining surveillance and coordinated enforcement operations in the difficult terrain.
Under the close supervision of SDPO Diglipur Rahul Vikram, DANIPS, and the overall supervision of SP North and Middle Andaman Vikas Swami, IPS, police apprehended five Myanmar nationals between July 29 and August 4.
Police subsequently intensified searches after receiving further information from local villagers. Four more Myanmar nationals were apprehended from Ganesh Nagar, Ward No. 1, on August 8, taking the total number of apprehensions to nine.
The police operation involved personnel from Police Stations Diglipur, Kalighat and Mayabunder, working in coordination with the Indian Coast Guard. The sustained search followed the initial seizure of the abandoned dinghy and the suspected poaching material near Smith Island.
The police have appealed to residents to share credible information concerning crime or illegal activities with the nearest police station. Information can also be provided through helpline numbers 100, 112 and 03192-273344.
Police said the identity of informers would be kept strictly confidential and that suitable rewards would be provided for credible information. The appeal comes as authorities continue enforcement efforts against illegal activities in the coastal areas of North and Middle Andaman.
