JEMBRANA, Bali — Police in western Bali have seized the remains of 11 protected Mobula rays in an investigation into suspected illegal wildlife trade in Pengambengan, Jembrana.

The case was uncovered on Friday, October 9, after police received information from members of the public about the suspected transport of protected marine species.

Officers later stopped and examined a man travelling with a motorcycle-towed cart carrying fish.

Inside, police found the remains of 11 rays that had already been killed and cut into pieces.

Investigators then coordinated with marine conservation authorities and wildlife experts to identify the species.

Preliminary identification indicated that the animals were Mobula rays, which are protected under Indonesian conservation regulations.

Samples of the meat were also taken for laboratory examination as part of the investigation.

Police said they are examining the roles of several people believed to have been involved in the chain of activity, including those suspected of catching and selling the rays, those who bought them and those responsible for transporting them.

Authorities also seized a motorcycle, the cart used to transport the animals, Rp1.7 million in cash and a boat believed to be connected to the case.

The investigation remains ongoing as police work to determine where the rays were caught, who was involved in the alleged trade and whether the case is linked to a wider network.

Indonesia protects a number of Mobula species due to pressure from fishing and wildlife trade.

Police said further legal action would depend on the results of the species identification and the evidence gathered during the investigation.