21 March 2020




The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Thursday took over all major sea cucumber poaching offence cases in Lakshadweep.

The decision was taken during a meeting at the CBI headquarters in New Delhi on Thursday based on the recommendation of the Wildlife Crime Control Bureau of India (WCCB), which was initially investigating the cases.

“Sea cucumber is an endangered species and vulnerable to poaching even though it receives the highest protection status. WCCB has paid special attention towards saving this species by collecting intelligence, coordinating operations and creating awareness among enforcement agencies including coastguard, police and forest along our coastline, and fishermen. The present seizure is a reflection of these efforts. The investigation being taken up by CBI will go a long way in helping bust this transnational illegal trade of sea cucumbers.

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