PCG seizes 30 sacks of banned helmet shells

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines  -  The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) intercepted and seized at  least 30 sacks of  banned fully grown helmet shells aboard a ferry that arrived at the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) wharf Tuesday morning, according to officials.

Lt. Commander Jomark Angue, coast guard station commander, said the helmet shells were intercepted aboard the M/V Kristel Jane II which arrived about 6 a.m.  at the PPA port in this city from Jolo, Sulu following a tip from an informant.

Angue said the illegal products were seen  being loaded into the ferry in Jolo. However, authorities were then unable to seize the items.

“Considering the threat of security the intelligence officer tipped us here that there were prohibited shells being transported into the ferry,” Angue said.

During the apprehension and seizure operation,  no one claimed ownership of the banned items . The sacks however bore markings that say "Hong Kong".

Angue, however, believed that the marking was done deliberately to  conceal the identity of the shipper and consignee.

The coast guard official said they are investigating if the shipper of the banned shells collaborated with some personnel of the ferry.

The seized marine products were immediately assessed and turned over to the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) for proper disposition.

Fishery law enforcer Raffy Adelton Tan said the poaching of "cassis cornuta" or helmet shells, which is locally known as ‘budyong’ is banned and prohibited by law under Republic Act 8550 otherwise known as the Philippine Fisheries Code of 1998, and Fisheries Administrative Order No. 208 s. 2001  and other related laws.

Tan said anyone who will be caught  poaching and selling of the banned shells will face 10 to 20 years of imprisonment with P120,000 fine and forfeiture of the catch.

Tan and Angue said  the 30 sacks raw helmet shells have an estimated value of P200,000.