No contraband found inside container van

CEBU, Philippines - Lapu-Lapu City’s Task Force Kalikasan opened and inventoried yesterday morning the contents of a 40-footer container van which it earlier suspected of holding marine contraband.

The van yielded only scallops, tuna, and shells that are used in making ornamental products.

The van was apprehended in barangay Suba-Basbas, Lapu-Lapu City Saturday by the task force headed by SPO1Jomar Ybanes while it was loading seashells to be transported to Zhenzhen, China.

Ybanez said his team was on patrol Saturday when they saw marine products being loaded unto the van.

He said the owner, Jan Vincent Ong, failed to show auxiliary and business permits for the cargo.

The van was opened before reporters, Fisheries and Aquatic Resources quarantine officer Randolh Corrales, city legal officer Yuri Belvan, and Glenn Villariza, the owner’s lawyer.

Ybanez said the cargo, which weighs from 20 to 25 tons, will not be released until the owner produces the required permits. – (FREEMAN)