Customs agents assigned at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) have foiled an attempt to smuggle import and export shipments containing harmful black ants.
The first seizure involved three export shipments of ants concealed in specimen tubes misdeclared as “Lego Toys” bound for France, Singapore, and Italy. The shipper was identified as “Shin Yap”.
“The subject parcels yielded a total of 21 small cups and 21 specimen tubes containing assorted black ants concealed in a Lego Box,” said Port of NAIA collector Carmelita Talusan.
“On the other hand, the two similarly suspicious imported shipments from Poland were also subjected to mandatory non-intrusive inspection and physical Customs examination. The same yielded a total of 375 specimen tubes containing black ants,” she added.
Talusan said her team already turned over the shipments to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources for custody.
She explained that like in other countries, the importation and exportation of non-native black ants are strictly prohibited because of the danger it poses not only to human health but also in the environment.
“Studies in China show that non-native black ants are carriers of virus, bacteria, and diseases inimical to local ecology, including agriculture and forestry. However, despite common perils and hazards, black ants are also beautiful in appearance,” she said.
The latest seizure came a month after the Customs – Port of NAIA intercepted two shipments of smuggled bearded dragons and Argentine lizards at the Central Mail Exchange Center in Pasay City.
The two parcels contain 22 bearded dragons and six Argentine black and white Lizards with an estimated market value of P210,000.
The shipments came from Samutprakarn, Thailand and were consigned to residents of Paranaque City. Both parcels were misdeclared as “Children’s Toys” and were shipped by a certain ‘Anuphop Wilit’.
Talusan said her men conducted the operations in coordination with the Customs Enforcement and Security Service – Environmental Compliance and Protection Division (ESS-EPCD).
Last year, the Port of NAIA was recognized by the DENR for its accomplishments and commitment to border protection and civic duty to protect the environment.