Indonesian police confiscate 33 endangered turtles set to be sold to restaurants in Bali

DENPASAR, Indonesia – Indonesian police have confiscated 33 endangered sea turtles believed to be headed for local restaurants on the resort island of Bali.

Bali police spokesman Col. Hariadi said Monday the turtles were seized from a boat off the coast. He said crewmen who were believed to be waiting to unload them escaped as police arrived.

Hariadi, who uses one name, said they included green turtles and hawksbill turtles weighing between 30 and 60 kilograms (65 and 130 pounds).

Turtle meat remains a delicacy among Balinese despite threats by animal welfare groups of a tourist boycott of the island.

Indonesia has banned trade and consumption of endangered turtles.