By Dean Aubrey Caratiquet
Two packages containing rare and highly valued agarwood worth P4,275,000 were intercepted by the Bureau of Customs-Ninoy Aquino International Airport (BOC-NAIA) in collaboration with the Environmental Protection Compliance Division (EPCD) under the BOC Enforcement Group (EG) on November 6, 2024 at a warehouse in Pasay City.
The packages, declared as mahogany chips, were shipped by an individual from San Juan to a recipient in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE). A thorough physical examination revealed a total of 5.7 kilograms of rare agarwood, one of the most valuable types of wood globally.
Said shipments are in violation of the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (CMTA), as well as the Forestry Reform Code of the Philippines (PD 705) and the Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act (RA 9147).
The confiscated agarwood will be turned over to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) for proper handling.
BOC Commissioner Bienvenido Y. Rubio reaffirmed the agency’s commitment in curbing illegal wildlife trade, stating, “The Bureau of Customs continues its pursuit to strengthen the border security measures to and from the country, and we will be relentless against anyone who attempts to violate our customs laws.”
-av