The airport customs district on Wednesday, June 30, 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 PHLPost Central Mail Exchange Center (CMEC) on June 30, 2021.
Belonging to the family of arthropods, some of these species are known to administer venom through their bites, resulting in extreme pain to the unfortunate living recipients including humans. In some cases, these venomous can even be fatal.
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 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).
Issuance of a warrant of seizure and detention (WSD) has been recommended by the examiner against the parcel, and further investigation is underway against the claimant for the possible filing of charges in violation of Republic Act (RA) No. 9147 known as the Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act.
Recently, Port of NAIA 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.