Six men arrested for possessing turtle meat

Following an anonymous tip-off we were able to track down some men selling turtle meat and eggs door to door in Santa Maria. The police responded very quickly and were able to apprehend the men. Although they did not have the meat with them, they quickly confessed that they had killed three turtles in the last two days in Serra Negra. To get to Serra Negra requires 4WD and we rely on our partners at the Camara Municipal & WWF to assist with this. So far we have not been able to patrol this beach at night and have been powerless to prevent the slaughter. Neal accompanied the policemen to a house near Serra Negra where there was turtle meat and eggs cooking. The man who had killed the turtle was forced to recover the carapaces as evidence. All six men involved are in custody and will go to a hearing on the 10 July.