Indonesian authorities save 3,900 turtle eggs from smugglers

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PONTIANAK: A joint team comprising personnel from several authorities in Pontianak, West Kalimantan, has thwarted an attempt to smuggle 3,900 turtle eggs to Sarawak, Indonesia’s ANTARA news agency reported.

“The seizure was on Saturday, at 1.30 am local time,” said Bambang Nugroho, the Head of Pontianak’s marine resources and fisheries surveillance office (P2SDKP), here on Sunday evening.

The arrest was conducted by several officers from Pontianak Conservation of Natural Resources, Jagoi Babang Conservation Resort of Natural Resources, Jagoi Babang P2SDKP, Jagoi Babang Fish Quarantine and Jagoi Babang Police.

The turtle eggs were owned by a woman from Pemangkat in West Kalimantan.

“The smuggling of turtle eggs to Sarawak is a common occurrence in Pontianak. In 2011, P2SDKP recorded two smuggling attempts to Malaysia,” he added.

Turtle has become an endangered species. The north coastal zone of West Kalimantan is one of areas where the turtles spawn. Meanwhile, Jagoi Babang, which is situated almost 300 kilometres away from Pontianak city, is a traditional transport terminal for goods coming from Malaysia to Pontianak vice versa. — BERNAMA