Sea cucumber seized, one arrested

A large quantity of sea cucumber, an endangered marine species, was seized and a man arrested today at nearby Mandapam for allegedly attempting to smuggle it to Sri Lanka, police said.
Rajendra, a resident of Mandapam, was arrested when he attempted to smuggle the sea cucumber in a boat.
The value of the seized sea cucumber was estimated to be around Rs 15 lakh in international market, they said.
Trade of sea cucumber, protected under the Wilde Life Act, is prohibited.
It is in demand in Asian countries such as Sri Lanka for medicinal use.