The package, which came from Hong Kong, contained 14 pieces of live beetles and a larva concealed in plastic tubes hidden inside packages of snacks, biscuits, noodles, and chocolate.
The Bureau of Customs (BoC) at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) has seized plant-eating beetles, considered as an agricultural crop pest, at the Central Mail Exchange Center (CMEC) in Pasay City.
Customs authorities on Monday (August 2) said the package, which came from Hong Kong, contained 14 pieces of live beetles and a larva concealed in plastic tubes hidden inside packages of snacks, biscuits, noodles, and chocolate.
Port of NAIA District Collector Carmelita Talusan said the parcel arrived on July 24, 2021 at the CMEC and later subjected to physical examination, which resulted in the discovery of the live insects.
The parcel was immediately seized due to the absence of requisite clearance or permit from the Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI), and for violation of Section 117 in relation to Section 1113 (f) of RA 10863, otherwise known as Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (CMTA), and Presidential Decree No. 1433 otherwise known as the Plant Quarantine Law of 1978.
The parcel's recipient from Mandaluyong City never claimed the package, according to officials.
Beetles are plant-eating insects, commonly known as garden pests that damages crops, creating numerous small, round holes unto plants. Its larvae consume plant roots, causing wilting, yellowing and stunted growth of host plants.
Under Section of PD 1433, the importation of potential animal pest which are liable to become agricultural crop pests and are capable of causing injury to agricultural crops is restricted subject to quarantine orders, rules and regulations, thereby requiring Plant Quarantine Clearance and Phytosanitary Certificate from the Bureau of Plant Industry prior to importation, otherwise the importation of which shall be considered prohibited.
The seized beetles and the larva were turned over to the BPI for quarantine and immediate disposal to prevent the spread of possible pests that can affect local agriculture.
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