Endangered turtles seized in Bali and set free

A child getting up close with a green turtle before dozens of them were released, on a beach in Sanur, on the Indonesian island of Bali yesterday. Indonesian police said they seized the 37 endangered reptiles during an operation in the Badung strait
PHOTO: AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE

A child getting up close with a green turtle before dozens of them were released, on a beach in Sanur, on the Indonesian island of Bali yesterday. Indonesian police said they seized the 37 endangered reptiles during an operation in the Badung strait on Wednesday, arresting four suspects. Bali police chief Ronny Franky Sompie said they found the turtles on a traditional boat near Padanggalak beach in Denpasar, the Jakarta Post reported. The sea creatures were brought in from Madura, East Java, and believed to be bound for Serangan Island in Bali. Turtle trading is an offence in Indonesia. Violators can face up to five years' jail and a fine of up to 100 million rupiah (S$10,000), according to the 1990 Conservation of Biodiversity and Ecosystems Law.

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A version of this article appeared in the print edition of The Straits Times on July 10, 2015, with the headline Endangered turtles seized in Bali and set free. Subscribe