THE Bureau of Customs – Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) intercepted smuggled spiderlings, at the Central Mail Exchange Center (CMEC) on 16 April 2024.
Eighty-four (84) live spiderlings were found during the physical examination of the customs officers after the initial x-ray scanning showed suspicious images. The parcel, originating from Poland, was declared as “origami” products and consigned to an address in Binan, Laguna.
The attempted smuggling of live spiderlings is a direct violation of the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (CMTA) and the Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act concerning the Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act.
Customs Commissioner Bienvenido Y. Rubio stressed that “The dedication of the BOC in preventing smuggling is a crucial barrier against exploitation of wildlife, and in maintaining robust national biosecurity and ecological balance.”
In line with the Bureau’s mandates, the BOC-NAIA under its District Collector, Atty. Yasmin O. Mapa, maintains its vigilance and dedication in protecting the country’s border against all forms of smuggling, including wildlife resources.
