KOCHI: Fisheries department seized a boat that was engaged in fishing using lights above 12W near Vypeen on Saturday.Sources said that the fishing boat, Cherupushpam, owned by a Nayarambalam native Josy George, used bright lights to attract fish. The department also slapped a fine of Rs 2.5 lakh on the boat owner.Officials seized three 400W halogen lights, three 230W LED lights, a 50W halogen light and 12 tube lights from the boat. Iron pipes were found welded on the side of the boats for placing lights.As per Section 6 (1) (c) of Kerala Marine Fishing Regulation Rules (KMFR), 2018, it is a punishable offence to indulge in fishing using lights with power above 12W. The catch in the boat was auctioned for Rs 4,000. Marine enforcement CI Rajeev Kumar, SI Jayesh, civil police officers Binoy and Faisal, sea guard Binu and Prasad were part of the team that seized the boat. Vypeen fisheries assistant director Joyce Abraham said that strict action would be initiated against illegal fishing LED lights are installed in purse seine fishing boats to attract fish. Lights are attached to a structure above the water or suspended underwater to attract fish in specific areas to harvest them. Light fishing has been banned in Indian exclusive economic zone.Banned tobacco products seized, four held: Central police, on Saturday, seized 4,000 packets of banned tobacco products and arrested four Assam natives in connection with the case. The products were smuggled into Kochi via train from Bengaluru. The arrested are Nasrul Islam, Rasiful Islam, Sadiq Islam and Sadiq Islam. Police said that the accused were caught while trying to sell a small portion of the contraband in the city. The seizure was made under 'Operation King Cobra' launched by city police commissioner.

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