Clark: The Bureau of Customs (BOC) – Port of Clark has successfully thwarted an attempt to smuggle 178 spiderlings hidden in an air parcel that was falsely declared as ‘hairclips’ from Indonesia. This incident highlights the ongoing efforts of customs officials to combat wildlife trafficking.

According to Philippines News Agency, the acting District Collector Jairus Reyes revealed that the discovery was made during a physical examination prompted by a suspicious declaration by the consignee on October 30. The air parcel, intended for delivery to Valenzuela City, contained 157 vials of live spiders and 21 vials of deceased specimens.

Reyes further stated that the attempted smuggling of live spiderlings is in violation of Sections 117 and 113 of the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (CMTA), in relation to Republic Act 9147, also known as the Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act. He emphasized that the Port of Clark is committed to remaining vigilant in protecting the nation’s borders from all
forms of smuggling, including wildlife trafficking.

Commissioner Bienvenido Rubio echoed this commitment, underscoring the importance of the BOC’s role in preventing smuggling to safeguard wildlife and maintain national biosecurity and ecological balance. The seized spiders have been handed over to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources – Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office for further action.