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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider BOC foils attempt to smuggle spiderlings

BOC foils attempt to smuggle spiderlings

Published Apr 20, 2024 05:15 am

The Bureau of Customs (BOC) has successfully thwarted an attempt to smuggle live spiders into the country at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA).

In a statement, the BOC reported that customs officials at the Central Mail Exchange Center (CMEC) uncovered 84 live spiderlings during a physical examination. 

The package was falsely declared as "origami" products and was heading to an address in Binan, Laguna. However, the initial X-ray scan revealed suspicious images, which prompted customs officers to conduct a thorough inspection. 

The act of smuggling live spiders is not just a violation, but a direct and serious breach of the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (CMTA) and the Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act. 

Customs Commissioner Bienvenido Y. Rubio stressed the need to prevent illegal activities that harm national biosecurity, ecological balance, and wildlife exploitation.

BOC-NAIA District Collector Yasmin O. Mapa said this interception is aligned with bureau's commitment to safeguard the country’s borders and to prevent illegal activities that could pose a threat to national security and public safety.

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Bureau of Customs (BoC)
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