MANILA, Philippines — The Bureau of Customs (BOC) intercepted a parcel containing scorpions and isopods bound for Mexico at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport on Tuesday.
The package, declared as a “traditional designed shoulder bag,” was shipped from Quezon City.
Upon inspection, the parcel was found to hold 23 large scorpions, 13 small scorpions and a container of isopods, an order of crustacean.
The attempt to smuggle the scorpions and isopods violates the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act and the Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act, the BOC said.
The parcel was turned over to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources for proper handling and safekeeping.