156 sea turtle eggs confiscated on Georgia coast

As of Wednesday, June 20, 2012
© Copyright 2013 Gwinnett Daily Post

SAPELO ISLAND, Ga. (AP) — Georgia wildlife agents intercepted 156 sea turtle eggs they suspect were stolen from a nest on Sapelo Island, authorities said.

Sea turtle eggs are prized by some as a purported aphrodisiac and a food delicacy.

State officials say they began investigating the theft after learning the eggs had been stolen from the nest. Officers intercepted the Sapelo Island ferry when it arrived in Meridian on May 27, and a K-9 trained to detect wildlife items was called to search a man and his duffel bag.

"The dog alerted on a duffel bag, and the owner was asked for consent to search," according to a report from the Georgia Department of Natural Resources.

"Consent was granted and 156 sea turtle eggs were discovered inside," the report states. "After further investigation, a small amount of marijuana was found in the bag and a handgun was located in the subject's vehicle. The individual had admitted to being a convicted felon."

State authorities turned the case over to the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, said Capt. Doug Lewis of DNR law enforcement.

The suspect's name wasn't released.

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