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Slaughtered turtles confiscated over the weekend

April 15, 2019 6:20 am

Four slaughtered turtles weighing around 90kilograms were confiscated by the Fisheries ministry over the weekend.

Fisheries Permanent Secretary Craig Strong says the turtles were on its way to the market when it was confiscated from the Naivacakau landing in Tailevu on Saturday.

He says officers from Wainibokasi were alerted by an anonymous caller where they confiscated the turtle meat.

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They also apprehended the alleged turtle killers where they were taken in for police questioning.

The Permanent Secretary says it’s appalling that people have a total disregard for the law despite a ban in place.

He says people buying the turtle meat are just as guilty as the ones driving the demand for turtles.

Strong says the ministry will pursue all avenues to prosecute all involved.

The Fisheries Ministry is sternly reminding people engaging in harvesting, killing and selling any sea turtle species are warned the ban is still in place.

Penalties for any breach of the ban – will result in instant fines, with the potential of up to $50,000 for individuals, and $100,000 for business entities.

The specific ban applies to the killing, taking, landing, selling or offering or exposing for sale, dealing in, transporting, receiving or possessing any sea turtle species.

These include the Leather back sea turtle, Green sea turtle, Loggerhead sea turtle, Hawks bill sea turtle, and the Olive Ridley sea turtle.