Indonesian police foil turtle-smuggling ring in Bali, rescue 21 live animals

Bali police seized the live animals during a raid on the Pegametan coast of the island on June 10, after local residents reported suspected illegal turtle trading activity in the area, said Nanang Pri Hasmojo, head of law enforcement at the force.

Police arrested a 67-year-old man identified only by his initials KS, who is suspected of storing the protected animals before they were distributed for sale.

During initial questioning, the suspect told investigators the turtles had been sent by an associate from waters near Madura, an island in East Java province. He allegedly received the animals on the beach, where they were to be collected by another man for resale.

“We are continuing to investigate the case and pursuing other suspects involved in the network,” Hasmojo said.

He added that the suspect had been charged under Indonesia’s wildlife protection laws, and faced up to 15 years in prison and significant fines if found guilty.