Inp.polri.go.id – East Nusa Tenggara. Personnel of East Nusa Tenggara Regional Police Marine and Air Directorate apprehended two people of West Adonara District, East Flores Regency for capturing three protected animals of turtles. The Marine and Air Police Director, Senior Superintendent Irwan Deffi Nasution revealed that the two suspects are NB (28) and S (22). “The turtles who were catched illegally in the remote areas of Flores Seas are set to be set free today,” noted the Irwan on Friday (2/16/2024). Irwan says that the arrest began when fishermen reported the activities of individuals who tried to catch the turtles in Metindoeng waters, East Flores. Following the report, police moved immediately to the location and thwarted the two suspects from smuggling the protected animals. “We found three turtles behind one of the suspect houses and it acts as proof of their illegal activity,” said Irwan. The suspicions of the police turned out to be true as the suspect admits that they were about to sell the turtles for personal gain. “The two have been carrying out their illegal activities since 2019,” adds Irwan. Now, NB and S have been named as suspect and secured in the East Flores Sub-regional Police Marine and Air Directorate HQ for further questioning. Following the arrest, police stressed that the arrest is part of their firm act against poaching. Police also underscored their determination in protecting the protected animals legally in the waters of Indonesia. As of the suspects, they will be charged with Article 40 Paragraph 2 in conjunction with Article 21 Paragraph 2 letter a of Law Number 5 of 1990 concerning Conservation of Natural Resources and Ecosystems and Article 55 Paragraph 1 1 of the Criminal Code. (ad/pt/hn/nm)