Two more turtle poaching suspects detained
KOTA KINABALU: Another two individuals were detained yesterday in the ongoing investigation on turtle poaching in Semporna, said Sabah Wildlife Department director Augustine Tuuga.
“A Bajau Laut man in his 40s was detained in Dinawan island in the morning while a Bajau Laut woman in her 30s was arrested in Kampung Amboh-Amboh, Bum-Bum island in the afternoon. Their statements will be recorded to facilitate the investigation,” said Augustine, adding that more arrests were expected to be made in the coming days.
He said that the remaining identified main suspects have not been arrested due to difficulties in finding out their whereabouts.
“The search for them continues with the assistance of personnel from Semporna Marine Police, Sabah Parks and WWF.”
Meanwhile, Augustine said that the investigation into the killing of a male elephant found floating in Kinabatangan will now move to upstream area of the river.
“The house of a suspect initially believed to have connections to the case was searched this morning. However the search only found parts of other protected species.
“During the operation, two Indonesian men were detained for further investigation for illegal possession of the parts of protected sambar deer and bearded pig,” he said.
The Wildlife Department’s rangers were assisted by Kinabatangan police personnel in the operation.