BOC intercepts smuggled endangered tortoises at Naia

MANILA, Philippines — The Bureau of Customs (BOC) on Monday said it intercepted luggage containing live endangered tortoises at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (Naia).

According to the BOC-Naia, the endangered tortoises were discovered after the baggage of a Malaysian passenger arriving from Bangkok was flagged during X-ray screening last June 12.

READ: Taiwan-bound turtles, eels intercepted at Naia

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Physical examination then revealed that around 50 tortoises were hidden inside the passenger’s luggage.

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“The species were identified as Radiated and Indian Star Tortoises, which are protected under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora,” the BOC-Naia said.

Customs personnel then immediately coordinated with the BOC’s Environmental Protection and Compliance Division, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, and the Bureau of Animal Industry.

Once the seized wildlife was documented and inventoried, it was turned over to the DENR for proper custody.

Meanwhile, the passenger is now under BOC custody and undergoing inquest proceedings for violations of the Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act and the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act. /mcm

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