BOC seizes moose head, stingray skins

MANILA, Philippines — The Bureau of Customs (BOC) has seized parcels containing animal carcasses and spiders sent from abroad, officials said yesterday.

BOC-Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) district collector Mimel Talusan said 14 kilos of stingray skins were found in a package sent from Jakarta, Indonesia to a resident of Talisay, Cebu.

A preserved moose head and a fox were sent from Norway and France to consignees in Cavite and Quezon City.

A shipment of 100 spiders in plastic containers from Poland and Malaysia were consigned to residents of Sto. Tomas in Batangas, Naga City and Cebu.

Talusan said the carcasses and spiders were turned over to the Wildlife Trafficking Management Unit of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, the Bureau of Animal Industry and the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR).

Talusan said those convicted of illegal wildlife trading face a prison term of as long as two years and a fine ranging from P20,000 to P200,000.

BFAR-NAIA head Marion Trio said the dried stingray skins can be used for bags, belts, wallets and shoes.