Sri Vijaya Puram (Port Blair), April 7: Eleven Myanmarese nationals were apprehended in the Nicobar district following a multi-day anti-poaching operation that began in the sea areas off Kakana, Pilpillow, Pondha and Dering on April 4, officials said.
The operation was initiated at around 0915 hours by a team from Police Station Nancowrie. At approximately 1040 hours, the team detected a suspected Myanmarese poaching vessel near the coast of North Kakana. On spotting the police presence, the vessel cut its anchor and attempted to escape towards the south-east, heading off Tillong Chaung.
The police team pursued the vessel and coordinated with the Indian Coast Guard in an effort to intercept it. During the chase, two warning rounds were fired. The vessel, however, continued to evade interception and moved further before being abandoned near Isle of Man Island. The occupants fled into the nearby forested area.
Following the escape, a search operation codenamed ‘Sea Sentinel’ was launched, involving teams from Police Station Nancowrie and the local outpost at Tillangchaung. The operation expanded into dense forest areas, where search and surveillance efforts were carried out under difficult terrain and weather conditions.
On April 5 at around 0715 hours, a joint search team comprising police personnel and 11 Army personnel conducted intensive operations in the forest. One Myanmarese national was apprehended after a brief chase during the search.
The operation continued into April 6, resulting in the capture of the remaining 10 individuals who were found hiding in the forest. In total, 11 foreign nationals were taken into custody during the course of the operation.
Authorities also seized the abandoned vessel linked to the group. During the operation, approximately 800 kilograms of illegally harvested sea cucumber were recovered. Officials indicated that the marine species had been collected unlawfully from the surrounding waters.
The incident highlights ongoing concerns over illegal marine resource extraction in the region, particularly involving foreign nationals entering restricted waters. The operation spanned both maritime pursuit and inland search efforts across remote island terrain.
The entire operation was conducted under the supervision of SDPO Car Nicobar Samuel Solomon and under the overall direction of SP (D) Nicobar Rahul L Nair.
Authorities have urged the public to share information related to any illegal activities or crimes through helpline numbers 112, 03192-265223 and 9531856152, stating that informant identities will be kept confidential.
