MANILA — The Bureau of Customs at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (BOC-NAIA) on November 19 intercepted an outbound parcel containing eight containers of live millipedes at a warehouse in Pasay City.

The shipment, declared as assorted consumer goods including juice powder mix, face masks, wooden jewelry boxes, instant noodles, delicacies, plastic photo frames, and craft items, was flagged during x-ray screening under the X-Ray Inspection Project (XIP) due to irregularities in the scanned images. The package was reportedly bound for the United Kingdom.

The seized wildlife specimens were turned over to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) for proper handling and disposition.

The incident violates the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (Republic Act No. 10863), specifically Section 1400 on misdeclaration and Section 1401 on unlawful importation or exportation.

BOC Commissioner Ariel F. Nepomuceno lauded the personnel involved, saying, “This operation highlights the Bureau’s strengthened capability in detecting attempts to misdeclare goods, particularly shipments involving wildlife species. The BOC remains committed to enforcing customs laws and preventing the unauthorized transport of regulated or prohibited items.”

District Collector Atty. Yasmin O. Mapa added, “The interception underscores the importance of accurate declarations and full compliance with export requirements. BOC-NAIA will continue to work closely with partner agencies to ensure that our outbound cargo facilities are not exploited for illicit activities involving wildlife or other regulated commodities.”

The operation reflects the Bureau’s commitment to uphold customs and environmental laws, protect biodiversity, and maintain the integrity of the country’s borders.