SANDAKAN: A total of 19,000 turtle eggs were seized from Filipino smugglers here today.
Sabah Marine Police Chief Assistant Commissioner Mohamad Madun said the eggs were found on board four pump boats - wooden vessels powered with modified water pumps - along with 12 Filipinos aged between seven and 63 off Sungai Batu Dua about 1.45am.
Mohamad said acting on a tip off, a special operation was launched where three assault vessels were dispatched last night.
"The team spotted the pump boats around 1.30am and a chase ensued. After a brief pursuit at sea, our men managed to intercept the boats," he said.
The eggs, kept in sacks, were found in the boats.
Investigations will be conducted on the four skippers, he added.
Turtles and its products are a totally protected species under Sabah Wildlife Conservation Enactment 1997 and it is an offence to possess these animals or its products.
Offenders can be fined RM50,000 or jailed five years, or both, upon conviction.