Boat nabbed for carrying turtles

DENPASAR: Bali police seized the Putra Tunggal at dawn on Friday off Badung for transporting 86 protected green turtles (Chelonia mydas). Sr. Comr. Reniban said that the police had arrested the vessel's five crew members after the arrest, including the boat's captain, Nuriamin.

During questioning, the crew had admitted they intended to sell the turtles in South Bali.

The crew have been charged with violating Article 21 of the Natural Resources and Ecosystem Conservation Law, which carries a maximum sentence of five years in jail. -- JP