Environmental Protection Agency EPA has confirmed group of 5 individuals suspected to be taking part in sea turtle poaching was caught earlier this month.
In a series of Tweets, EPA said that the individuals were caught on the 3rd of this month by Baa Atoll Kendhoo police with 6 slaughtered green turtle carcasses.
EPA said that when the police attended the scene the group of men was seen cooking and processing turtle meat on a large scale. It said that all the individuals involved in this incident belong to B. Kendhoo island.
It also said that EPA and Baa Atoll Biosphere Reserve Office staff also attended the scene and assisted the police in collecting evidence and other necessary information.
Surprisingly, EPA highlighted that the turtle carcasses were confiscated and the individuals involved in the poaching incident were released after taking their statements, as the legal process continues until further actions can be taken.
Green sea turtles are protected under the regulations set by the Ministry of Environment.
