In line with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive to reinforce border protection and ensure strict compliance with customs regulations, the Bureau of Customs – Ninoy Aquino International Airport (BOC-NAIA) intercepted an outbound parcel that was found to contain eight containers of live millipedes, at a warehouse in Pasay City recently.
The shipment, supposed to be bound for United Kingdom, was declared as assorted consumer goods such as juice powder mix, face masks, wooden jewelry box, instant noodles, delicacies, plastic photo frame, and craft items, and was flagged during x-ray screening by the X-Ray Inspection Project (XIP) due to irregularities observed in the scanned images.
BOC Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno commended the vigilance of the personnel involved.
“This operation highlights the Bureau’s strengthened capability in detecting attempts to misdeclare goods, particularly shipments involving wildlife species.”
“This operation highlights the Bureau’s strengthened capability in detecting attempts to misdeclared goods, particularly shipments involving wildlife species. The BOC remains committed to enforcing customs laws and preventing the unauthorized transport of regulated or prohibited items,” Nepomuceno said.
The seized wildlife specimens were immediately turned over to representatives of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) for proper handling and disposition.
“The interception underscores the importance of accurate declarations and full compliance with export requirements.”
District Collector Atty. Yasmin Mapa likewise emphasized, “The interception underscores the importance of accurate declarations and full compliance with export requirements. BOC-NAIA will continue to work closely with partner agencies to ensure that our outbound cargo facilities are not exploited for illicit activities involving wildlife or other regulated commodities.”
The incident constitutes violations of Republic Act No. 10863 (Customs Modernization and Tariff Act), specifically Section 1400 (Misdeclaration) and Section 1401 (Unlawful Importation/Exportation).
This operation reinforces the Bureau’s commitment to uphold customs and environmental laws, protect biodiversity, and maintain the integrity of the country’s borders.
