Indonesian authorities detain man for allegedly attempting to smuggle a hawksbill turtle

Indonesian authorities have detained a man who was allegedly trying to smuggle an endangered hawksbill turtle.

Indonesian authorities have detained a man who was allegedly trying to smuggle an endangered hawksbill turtle.

Officers from West Papua Regional Police Force found the suspect driving around the city of Sorong with the reptile in the back of a pick-up truck.

The turtle had wounds to its body, head and fins, according to police.

The marine creature was handed over to the Natural Resources Conservation Centre and the Papua Turtle Foundation.

On May 1 a veterinarian treated the turtle's wounds with the aim of releasing it back into the ocean when its condition improves.

Police suspect local fishermen of taking part in the illegal trade of wild sea creatures.