The Bureau of Customs – Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) intercepted smuggled spiderlings, at the Central Mail Exchange Center (CMEC) on 16 April 2024.

Eighty-four (84) live spiderlings were found during the physical examination of the customs officers after the initial x-ray scanning showed suspicious images. The parcel, originating from Poland, was declared as “origami” products and consigned to an address in Binan, Laguna.

The attempted smuggling of live spiderlings is a direct violation of the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (CMTA) and the Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act.

Customs Commissioner Bienvenido Y. Rubio stressed that: “The dedication of the BOC in preventing smuggling is a crucial barrier against exploitation of wildlife, and in maintaining robust national biosecurity and ecological balance.”

In line with the Bureau’s mandates, the BOC-NAIA under its District Collector, Atty. Yasmin O. Mapa, maintains its vigilance and dedication in protecting the country’s border against all forms of smuggling, including wildlife resources.