SANDAKAN: Three men were sentenced to imprisonment and fines at the Sessions Court here for possessing 19,000 turtle eggs.
Judge Ummu Kalthom Abdul Samad meted the sentences to Pikong Ismail, 23, Totoh Susuk, 35, and Impang Utuk, 45 who pleaded guilty to the charge under Section 41(1) Wildlife Conservation Enactment 1997.
Pikong will serve two years of jail and RM10,000 fine, in default of six months' jail; Totoh four years of jail and RM25,000 fine, in default of 18 months' jail: Impang three years of jail and RM15,000 fine, in default of 12 months' jail.
In July, the three men were caught by marine police on patrol attempting to smuggle in 19,000 of Green Turtle eggs at waters here on two separate days.
The judge also ruled the trio to serve the sentences concurrently with another sentences meted in July.
They were sentenced for six months imprisonment and two strokes each for not having valid documents.
All of them will be referred to Immigration Department after serving their sentences.
The case is being prosecuted by Sabah Wildlife Department prosecuting officer Abdul Karin Dakog.