Fish farm boss, staff held over turtle parts seizure
Published on: Saturday, May 27, 2017
Semporna: A local fish farm owner and his two workers were nabbed by marine police here for having turtle meat, shells and bones in waters off Danawan Island on Thursday. The 32-year-old and his two workers, aged 20 and 16, were arrested following the seizure of 53kg of turtle meat which had been cut into pieces, 30kg of turtle shells and bones in the 4.30pm raid. Acting Sabah Region 4 Marine Police Commander Supt Norzaid Mohammad Said estimated the meat to be worth RM1,500, while the shells and bones are valued at about RM300.
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He said a tip-off prompted the team, assisted by a patrol boat, to conduct inspections on the fish farm as the three men were about to unload something from a boat to the farm. "Further inspections led to the discovery of the meat which was being dried under the sun at the farm. "Turtle shells and bone, as well as cooking utensils believed to be used to cook the meat, were also found at the beach and bushes nearby," he said. Norzaid said the trio and the confiscated goods which included the boat and cooking utensils all worth about RM10,450 have been brought to the marine police base here for further action.The case has been referred to the Wildlife Department for investigations under the Wildlife Conservation Enactment 1997.
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He said the farm owner will also be probed under Section 12(2) of the Dangerous Drug Act 1952 after he was found with 0.39 grammes of syabu found hidden in a cigarette box kept in his pouch. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express’s Telegram channel.
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"The team on Bot Tempur 38 brought the man back to the marine police base for further investigation under Section 6 (1)(c) of the Immigration Act 1959/63," he said. - Lagatah Toyos
