P20k Live Leopard Gecko Shipped from Thailand Seized by Customs

Customs Intercepted Live Leopard Gecko Shipped from Thailand Worth P20k

The Bureau of Customs (BOC) personnel intercepted a parcel shipped from Thailand containing live Leopard Gecko worth P20,000.

A shipment containing a “leopard gecko” from Thailand was intercepted by BOC-Port of Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) officials in coordination with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR). According to the BOC, the abovementioned parcel arrived at the Paircargo warehouse without the required import permit from the DENR.

Leopard Gecko Seized Customs

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As a result, it was subjected to a thorough physical examination, which revealed a live Leopard Gecko valued at P20,000.00. The lizard is a protected species under the CITES Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Flora and Fauna (CITES) and Republic Act (RA) No. 9147, also known as the Philippine Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act, according to the DENR.

Violation of RA 9147 carries a penalty of up to four (4) years in prison and a fine of up to P300,000.00. For violations of Section 1113 of RA 10863, also known as the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (CMTA), and Section 11 of RA 9147, the seized leopard gecko would be submitted to seizure and forfeiture proceedings.

In line with Section 8 of Customs Administrative Order No. 10-2020, the seized lizard was immediately given over to the DENR. Meanwhile, the BOC has earlier destroyed over P90 million worth of counterfeit cigarettes allegedly smuggled in Cebu.

The procedure was carried out at the Taiheiyo Cement Philippines Inc factory, according to the article. Last June, counterfeit cigarettes were discovered at the Port of Cebu after two different shipments from China arrived in the nation.

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