Government agents confiscated a parcel containing 14 live beetles and larva illegally shipped from Hong Kong.
Customs examiners assigned at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport discovered the insects concealed in plastic tubes hidden in the packages of snacks, biscuits, noodles and chocolates.
Port of NAIA district collector Carmelita Talusan said the shipment arrived on July 24 at the Cargo Mail Exchange Center (CMEC) in Pasay City and was subjected to physical examination.
The shipment, which was consigned to a resident in Mandaluyong City, was confiscated for lack of necessary clearance and permit from the Bureau of Plant Industry.
The importer will be held liable for violating the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (CMTA), and Presidential Decree No. 1433, otherwise known as the Plant Quarantine Law of 1978.
Under Section 4 of PD 1433, the importation of potential animal pests, which are liable to become agricultural crop pests and are capable of causing injury to agricultural crops, is restricted subject to quarantine orders, rules and regulations.
“Prior to importation, the owner must secure Plant Quarantine Clearance and Phytosanitary Certificate from the Bureau of Plant Industry, otherwise the importation of which shall be considered prohibited,” said Talusan.
The seized shipment was immediately turned over to the Bureau of Plant Industry for quarantine and immediate disposal.