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Bali police foil illegal trade of 21 green sea turtles, arrest one suspect
Bali newsBali32 min read
Bali police have thwarted an attempt to illegally trade 21 protected green sea turtles, seizing the live animals during a raid on Pegametan coast on June 10. The operation followed reports from local residents regarding suspected illegal turtle trading. Police arrested a 67-year-old man, identified as KS, on suspicion of storing the turtles for distribution. The suspect reportedly told investigators the turtles were sent from waters near Madura, East Java province, and were intended for resale by another individual. Authorities are continuing to investigate and pursue other suspects involved in the network. The arrested man faces up to 15 years in prison and significant fines under Indonesia's wildlife protection laws. Green sea turtles are among the six species legally protected in Indonesia since 1990, with further regulations prohibiting their trade. Poaching of sea turtles and their eggs is a major contributor to the global decline of these species, with green turtles accounting for 56% of sea turtle killings between 1990 and 2020, often for meat, alleged aphrodisiacs, and traditional practices. Bali was historically a hub for green turtle trafficking, partly due to their use in Balinese Hinduism offerings.
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Bali police foil attempt to illegally trade 21 protected green sea turtles, suspect arrested
Authorities in Bali last week foiled an attempt to illegally trade 21 protected green sea turtles. Police seized the live animals on June 10 during a raid on Pegametan coast, following reports from local residents. A 67-year-old man, identified by the initials KS, was arrested on suspicion of storing the animals before their distribution for sale. Police stated the suspect claimed the turtles were sent from waters near Madura, East Java province, and were to be collected by another man for resale. Nanang Pri Hasmojo, head of law enforcement, confirmed that investigations are ongoing to pursue other suspects in the network. The arrested individual faces charges under Indonesia's wildlife protection laws, which carry a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison and significant fines. Sea turtle species in Indonesia have been legally protected since 1990, with further regulations in 2018 clarifying protections and prohibiting their trade. Historically, Bali was a significant hub for green turtle trafficking, partly due to the use of turtle meat in Balinese Hinduism offerings.
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