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Bureau of Customs intercepted five packages of misdeclared agarwood weighing 11.21 kilograms, valued at P8.4 million, at a warehouse in Lapu-Lapu City on Nov. 21
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Shipment was declared as Alingatong Stinging Nettle but contained agarwood, a protected species under the Convention on International Trade of Endangered Species of Animals and Plants
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Parcels originated from Agusan del Sur, bound for Malaysia and the United Arab Emirates
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Port of Cebu District collector Alexandra Lumontad issued a warrant of seizure and detention for violations of the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act and the Wildlife Act
The Bureau of Customs (BOC) intercepted five misdeclared outbound packages containing approximately 11.21 kilograms of Agarwood valued at P8.4 million at a warehouse facility in Lapu-Lapu City on November 21.
The shipment, weighing 11.21 kilograms, was declared as Alingatong Stinging Nettle but was found to contain agarwood, a protected species regulated under the Convention on International Trade of Endangered Species of Animals and Plants.
The parcels originated from Agusan del Sur and were intended for export to Malaysia and the United Arab Emirates, the BOC reported in a press release.
The operation, carried out through the Port of Cebu-Subport of Mactan with support from intelligence and enforcement units, forms part of continuing efforts to curb illicit trade and strengthen border security.
The physical examination was witnessed by representatives from the Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service, Enforcement and Security Service, X-Ray Inspection Project, Bureau of Plant Industry, and Department of Environment and Natural Resources.
Following the discovery, Port of Cebu district collector Alexandra Lumontad issued a warrant of seizure and detention against the shipment pursuant to Republic Act No. 10863 or the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act, Republic Act No. 9147 or the Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act, and other relevant laws.
Customs commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno said the incident underscores the agency’s focus on enforcing environmental and wildlife protection laws. “This interception serves as clear evidence that the Bureau of Customs’ commitment to combating illicit trade remains steadfast, particularly in implementing and enforcing environmental and wildlife protection laws to ensure that protected species are not put at risk and our natural resources remain safe from unlawful activities,” he said.
Subport of Mactan collector Gerardo Campo said the operation highlights the environmental stakes of regulated-species trafficking. “Agarwood trafficking undermines environmental protection efforts and fuels the illegal wildlife and fauna trade. This successful operation demonstrates the vigilance, coordination, and commitment of our teams in stopping the illicit movement of regulated species,” he said.
Lumontad commended the collective efforts of enforcement and intelligence units. “The Port of Cebu stands firm against the illegal exportation of protected natural resources. This seizure reinforces our dedication to law enforcement, environmental protection, and the responsible stewardship of our nation’s biodiversity,” she said.
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