Border task force foils smuggling of 2,253 turtle eggs

Previously, the individual had also attempted to bring in guinea pigs and geese through the PLBN Jagoi Babang, but was rejected by quarantine officials because it did not comply with export-import regulations.

Bengkayang (ANTARA) - A joint team of personnel from the Jagoi Babang Border Crossing Post (PLBN), Sarawak Forestry Corporation (SFC) Malaysia, and the SSK II Border Task Force foiled an attempt to smuggle 2,253 turtle eggs across the border in the Jagoi Babang area, Bengkayang Regency, West Kalimantan.

Commander of the SSK II Border Task Force, Lettu Arh Krisna, said that an Indonesian citizen with the initials SO (36) was secured during the joint operation after being suspected of bringing turtle eggs into Malaysia through the border route.

“This discovery began with a report from Sarawak Forestry Corporation regarding the finding of turtle eggs at a lodging in Pasar Serikin, Bau, Malaysia,” said Krisna in Bengkayang, Sunday.

The officers then carried out a joint inspection in the area of the zero point of the PLBN Jagoi Babang and conducted an initial examination of the suspect and evidence.

From the preliminary investigation, it is suspected that the perpetrator attempted to smuggle turtle eggs through forest paths around the PLBN Jagoi Babang area with the help of local motorcycle taxis.

“Previously, the individual had also attempted to bring in guinea pigs and geese through the PLBN Jagoi Babang, but was rejected by quarantine officials because it did not comply with export-import regulations,” he said.

From the suspect, officers secured evidence in the form of 2,253 turtle eggs, two cardboard boxes wrapped in black plastic, three white baskets, one orange bucket, Malaysian currency amounting to RM2,650, one Malaysian SIM card, and one mobile phone.

The suspect and evidence were then taken by Sarawak Forestry Corporation for further examination in accordance with applicable laws.

According to Krisna, the discovery is part of cross-border surveillance to prevent the trade of protected animals and illegal activities in the Indonesia-Malaysia border area.