4Kg of Shark Teeth Misdeclared as Fashion Accessories Seized by Customs
The personnel of the Bureau of Customs (BOC) has seized a 4 kilogram extracted teeth of a shark allegedly misdeclared as fashion accessories.
According to the report of BOC, Customs agents discovered the extracted shark teeth mislabeled as plastic components for fashion accessories at Cebu-Subport of Mactan. The weight of the removed shark teeth is 4.98 kilos.
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According to a report from the Bureau of Customs, the parcel was opened after the x-ray image raised concerns. A spokesperson from the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources confirmed that the contents of the parcel were shark teeth, not plastic components as claimed.
According to the report, the package does not have import permission issued by the BFAR for importation. Charlito Martin R. Mendoza, Acting District Collector, issued a Warrant of Seizure and Detention against the shipment right away.
According to Mactan Port Collector Gerardo A. Campo, the Subport guarantees that regulated products are only issued once proper permits and approvals have been obtained. In this case, the importer failed to get a permit from the BFAR prior to the importation and purposefully misdeclared the products in order to get away with it.
“We remind our importers and their representatives to properly declare their goods, and secure the necessary permits and clearances, to prevent seizures,” said Campo added.
The authorities now have possession of the seized items. Following seizure and forfeiture proceedings, the shark teeth will be disposed of in accordance with existing customs laws and regulations.
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