An estimated P160,000 worth of undocumented bearded dragon iguanas were confiscated at a checkpoint along Quirino Avenue, Manila last week, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) bared on Sunday, April 25.
A minor reportedly attempted to deliver 16 juvenile bearded dragons aboard a motorcycle to Cartimar Market in Pasay City, but was apprehended by members of the Pandacan Police Station at the checkpoint.
DENR’s Environmental Protection and Enforcement Task Force (EPETF) seized the live exotic animals after the minor failed to show any permit.
EPETF Executive Director Nilo Tamoria said the apprehension, which took place last April 22, was the result of the DENR’s efforts to link up with law enforcement agencies in going after illegal wildlife traders.
DENR Secretary Roy A. Cimatu has ordered the EPETF to intensify its operations against illegal wildlife traders, especially during the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic.
"We are aware that there are those in the illegal wildlife trafficking taking advantage of the pandemic, which is why we are doubly vigilant," Tamoria said.
He explained that the trade of captive-bred bearded dragon iguanas was regulated and that they can only be sold as pets provided that they were covered by permits issued by the DENR.
The transportation and trade of wildlife without the necessary permit and proper documentation are prohibited under Republic Act (RA) 9147 or the Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act of 2001.
The seized reptiles were turned over to the DENR’s Biodiversity Management Bureau, which then took them to the Wildlife Rescue Center facility in Quezon City for safekeeping.
"Let us obey the regulatory processes required in trading wildlife species, especially those involving exotic species like the bearded dragon iguanas to protect the country’s local wildlife species and ecosystems," Tamoria said.