Karangasem and Bali Water Police reportedly arrested five alleged poachers on Wednesday trying to smuggle sea turtles into Bali.
A total of 45 sea turtles had been discovered on board, while some of them had apparently even died in transit. Sad.
“The vessel captain and five crew members have been arrested,” Bali Water Police Chief Commissioner Purwoko Y confirmed to the press, as quoted by the Jakarta Post.
The turtles had been en route from Madura, East Java since March 20, headed to Kubu, Karangasem, police explained. The turtles are believed to have been smuggled for consumption in Bali.
According to Purwoko, police acted on general public knowledge that there was a ship bringing in smuggled turtles, headed towards Bali waters.
The surviving turtles will undergo quarantine and treatment at a breeding center in Serangan, then shall be released when given a clear bill of health, Purwoko said.
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