Airport Customs authorities on Wednesday seized an unclaimed parcel containing 44 wildlife species that were suspected as part of a wildlife smuggling operations.
Impounded were 25 tarantulas, 12 spiderlings, 5 centipedes, and 2 ornithoctonus black spiders that were sent by airplane at the Philpost Central Mail Exchange Center (CMEC) on June 30, 2021.
Belonging to the family of arthropods, some species also administer venom through a bite, producing extreme pain to the unfortunate recipient, and some can be fatal to humans.
The parcel from Thailand was consigned to a certain Aldwin Capucae in Pasay City, Metro Manila and was declared to contain “Plastic Teaching Materials for University.”
The failure of the recipient to claim the parcel on time enabled the Customs officers to confiscate and open the box leading the discovery of the insects.
The seized species were estimated to have a market value at least half a million pesos.
The Customs officials turned over the illegal items to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).
The issuance of a warrant of seizure and detention was recommended by the examiner and further investigation is under way against the claimant for the possible filing of charges for violation of Republic Act 9147, or the Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act.
Recently, airport district collector Mimel Talusan was recognized by the DENR, during the celebration of World Wildlife Day, for their contributions in intercepting wildlife animals and their invaluable role in wildlife protection.