The Bureau of Customs Port of NAIA reported the foiled attempt of wildlife smuggling of 23 tarantulas at the Central Mail Exchange Center.

According to the BOC-NAIA, the parcel was shipped from Hanoi, Vietnam. The said shipment was consigned to a claimant in Makati City, and was declared as "Snacks and other foodstuffs."

However, upon examination of the parcel, the duty Customs Examiner discovered that it contained 23 tarantulas concealed inside the plastic containers.

All 23 tarantulas were immediately turned over to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources for monitoring and safekeeping.

The said illegal shipment violates Section 1113 in relation to Sections 117 and 1401 of RA 10863, the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act, and Section 27 of RA 9147, or the Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act.

BOC-NAIA District Collector Carmelita Talusan said that this year, the Port of NAIA has seized several exotic aquatic wildlife species from different countries and that TRAFFIC Southeast Asia has also recognized the Port for its efforts against wildlife trafficking.

Collector Talusan added that, together with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, the Port upholds wildlife protection and its conservation initiatives.