In recent days the Federal Attorney for Environmental Protections (PROFEPA) has cracked down on the theft of sea turtle eggs from their nesting places in Puerto Vallarta.

Investigations by PROFEPA have led to the arrest of five people this week and the recovery of over 800 stolen olive ridley sea turtle eggs.

The first arrest occurred at Boca de Tomates where an individual was found in possession of a clear plastic bag with 37 turtle eggs; in the same area they were also arrested two people carrying a bucket containing 175 turtle eggs.

Also, agents of the Federal Police arrested two men in a checkpoint who were found in possession of 500 sea turtle eggs in a suitcase. In addition, another arrest was made at Playa de Oro by Single Force units with an individual in possession of 103 eggs.

All arrested individuals are currently in jail awaiting a court hearing on felony environmental charges. Each person could face nine years in prison and a fine equal to 3000 days of minimum wage.

PROFEPA stated the single operation recovered 815 eggs, however because they were removed from their nesting area, handles, shaken, and exposed to temperature changes, the eggs could not be returned to nesting areas.