The confiscated turtle eggs.
SANDAKAN: The Marine Operations Force (MOF) here confiscated 8,500 turtle eggs worth RM12,000 at Nunuyan Island waters, on Friday.
According to Deputy Commander of MOF (Division 4), Supt Rosman Haji Ismail, the MOF officer were keeping two suspicious pump boats heading to the island village under constant surveillance around 4am at the waters there.
AS the MOF team approached the area, the pump boats sped off but stranded in shallow waters while skippers escaped by jumping into the river.
He said, upon inspection the MOF officers found 8,500 turtle eggs in the boat and were believed to have been smuggled into Sandakan from the Philippines.
The case will be referred to Sandakan Wildlife Department for further action.
Meanwhile, Rosman urged members of the public to report any information on crime or smuggling activity in their areas because they believed that with cooperation from everyone illegal activities can be curbed.
The information can be channelled to MOF through its 24-hour line, 089-221423/242/453.