Airport Customs authorities seized various species of reptiles while being exported to Taiwan through an international cargo forwarder.
The authorities found spitting cobras, 8 pit vipers, and 15 sailfin lizards concealed in bamboo chimes and lanterns for export to Taiwan in a DHL warehouse.
The package was declared as “souvenir items” by a certain “Adrian Lim” from Pasig City, and was consigned to a certain “Ryan Su” of Taiwan.
The wildlife species were discovered and apprehended through the joint efforts of the Port of Ninoy Aquino International Airport (Naia) and offices under the Export Division, Enforcement and Security Service, Environmental Protection and Compliance Division.
Representatives from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) estimated the seized reptiles could be sold for as much as P300,000.
The Port of Naia said it remains vigilant not only in the interception of illegal drugs but also on illegal wildlife trade.
The Naia Customs district, last March 2019 and September 2020, was commended by the Traffic Asia for the confiscation of 1,529 freshwater turtles and tortoises concealed in suitcases.
The district was also praised by the US Fish and Wildlife Service for the interception of a reticulated python concealed in a rattan basket, recently.
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