MikeLigalig.com

The Philippine Star

Some 300 exotic insects and 3.5 kilos of scorpions and spiders were intercepted by airport, customs and environment officials Tuesday after the claimant failed to show an import permit at the Central Mail Exchange Center (CMEC) near the Manila Domestic Airport.

The package containing the deadly creatures came from Hong Kong aboard Cathay Pacific flight CX 901 and was consigned to Herman Sayo. It was reportedly sent by his wife Divina, according to Nelson Ebio, district collector of the CMEC.

Crisenciano Domingo Jr., Sayo’s representative, went to claim the box that was said to contain personal clothing based on the airway bill.

The shipment, however, was initially denied Domingo because it had not been examined by customs examiner Fima Rosero.

Upon examination, Rosero was shocked to see deadly scorpions and spiders in various plastic containers.

Rosero called the attention of the customs, environment and agriculture officials regarding the scorpions and cautiously opened the box with a knife and sticks. When the contents of the box were exposed, hundreds of crawling members of the arachnid family were seen.

“We have to impound the item not only because it was mis declared but also because it contained endangered species of flora and fauna,” said quarantine officer Bartolome Mesolania.

The scorpions were later brought to the Parks and Wildlife office in Quezon City.

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