On April 16, the Bureau of Customs (BOC) intercepted 84 live spiderlings at the Central Mail Exchange Center in Pasay City. The species were discovered during the physical examination of Customs officers after the initial x-ray scanning showed suspicious images.
The parcel, originating from Poland, was declared “origami” products and consigned to a resident of Biñan, Laguna.
The Port of NAIA immediately turned over the spiders to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) for monitoring and safekeeping.
The shipment owner will be charged with violations of the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act and the Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act.
NAIA District Collector Yasmin Mapa said the bureau, under the leadership of Commissioner Bienvenido Rubio, is supporting the initiatives of the DENR in upholding the conservation and protection of wildlife and preventing wildlife smuggling.
The DENR had commended Customs NAIA officials and personnel for their accomplishments and contributions in protecting wildlife and promoting biodiversity in the country.
For its efforts against wildlife trafficking over the years, NAIA was also recognized by TRAFFIC Southeast Asia, a nongovernment organization working globally to trade in wild animals and plants in the context of both biodiversity conservation and sustainable development.
Rubio stressed that “the dedication of the BOC in preventing smuggling is a crucial barrier against the exploitation of wildlife and in maintaining robust national biosecurity and ecological balance.”