GOF seize 11,700 turtle eggs smuggled into Lawas

LAWAS: The General Operations Force (GOF) successfully thwarted an attempt by two locals to smuggle in over 10,000 turtle eggs from Kota Kinabalu, last Saturday.
 
Brigade commander SAC Dr Che Ghazali Che Awang, who confirmed the case, said the operation codenamed ‘Op Bersepadu Khazanah’, was carried out by the GOF 12th Battalion around 10am at the Merapok Immigration, Customs, Quarantine and Security (ICQS) Complex.
 
Acting on information, the team managed to detain a pick-up truck driven by two men aged 31 and 37, for inspections.
 
“It led to the finding and seizure of 11,700 turtle eggs stored in 13 polystyrene boxes, valued at RM29,250.
 
“A pick-up truck worth approximately RM80,000 was also seized, bringing the total seizure value to RM109,250.
 
“Further examination found that the suspects had failed to provide the team with any valid document of ownership over the eggs,” he said.
 
Investigation found that the goods were obtained from Kota Kinabalu and brought into Kampung Sundar, Lawas by road to be handed over to the buyer.
 
The case is being investigated under Section 29 (1) of the Sarawak Wildlife Protection Ordinance 1998.
 
All of the seizures were handed over to Sarawak Forestry Corporation (SFC) Lawas for further action.