SANDAKAN: A shipment of turtle eggs believed to have been smuggled from the Philippines were recovered here today.
The 2,600 eggs kept in six plastic bags and two sacks were found on the beach near Kampung Forest where two men were spotted unloading the cargo from a pump boat at about 4am.
Sabah Marine Police Chief Assistant Commissioner Mohamad Madun said the two men escaped using the pump-boats into the cover of darkness as the patrolling team approached the shore to check on what they were doing.
"Upon checking the team found the turtle eggs which may have been smuggled from southern Philippines and meant to be sold in the market here," he said.
Many Filipinos can be seen selling turtle eggs near the central market and Jalan Pryor here at a cost of about RM1.50 to RM2.00 each.
Possession of turtle eggs in Sabah is an offence punishable under the Wildlife Conservation Enactment 1997. If convicted it carries a fine of RM50,000 or jail up to five years or both.
Mohamad said the turtle eggs will be handed over to the State Wildlife Department and attributed the success to information received from the public.