Authorities have intercepted 156 sea turtle eggs stolen from a nest on Sapelo Island.

Georgia wildlife officials said they began investigating the theft after learning the eggs had been stolen from the nest. Sea turtle eggs are prized by some as a purported aphrodisiac and a food delicacy.

Officers intercepted the Sapelo Island ferry when it arrived in Meridian May 27, and a K-9 trained to detect wildlife items was called to search a man and his duffel bag.

Authorities said they found the 156 eggs and a small amount of marijuana in the bag, and confiscated a handgun from the suspect's vehicle. Authorities declined to release the suspect's name or offer more information.

Tags: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, sea turtles, Loggerhead Turtles, sea turtle nests, sea turtle eggs