Trade in endangered sea turtles discovered

A truck carrying 94 frozen sea turtles weighing over 1 tonnes was caught by central Quang Ngai province’s police on October 25.

The truck was travelling on National Highway 1, through Pho Cuong commune, Duc Pho district, Quang Ngai province, to Binh Dinh province.

Driver Vo Van Quang said the contrabands were purchased from offshore fishing vessels in Binh Chau commune, Quang Ngai province.

Police and border guard forces have recently discovered and seized cases transporting hundreds of sea turtles purchased at Sa Ky Port, Binh Chau commune.

According to the Sea Natural Resources and Environment Institute, species of sea turtles found in Vietnamese waters are listed in the endangered or critically endangered categories classified by the International Union for Conservation and Nature.

Vietnam’s law prohibits acts of trading and transporting sea turtle species for commercial goal.

Investigation into the contraband is underway.