CEBU, Philippines - At least P3 million worth of giant conch shells, locally known as "budyong" were seized by the Bureau of Customs (BOC) at Pier 5, Cebu City last week.
BOC district collector Ronnie Silvestre said they were able to seize the protected endangered species after receiving a tip of the illegal transportation.
Silvestre said the 500 boxes of seashells for export were found placed in a container van owned by the M/V General Santos of the Lorenzo Shipping Lines.
The van was opened only on Thursday.
The consignee of the shipment was the One Stop Shop Cargo Forwarding Company.
Silvestre said they are now determining who owns the shipment.
The confiscated seashells were later turned over to the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources-7. (FREEMAN)