The Bureau of Customs intercepted a package containing 20 endangered tarantula spiders and eight scorpions illegally smuggled through the Central Mail Exchange Center.
Customs district collector Carmelita Talusan said 28 plastic containers individually housing the tarantulas and scorpions were found.
“The package from Samut Parakain, Thailand, was declared as “Teaching equipment” and imported without the necessary import permits,” she said.
Both tarantulas and scorpions were immediately turned over to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources Wildlife Traffic Monitoring Unit for rehabilitation and care.
The BOC-NAIA also intercepted 119 tarantulas from Poland concealed in a pair of rubber shoes in October 2020.
The illegal importation, collection and trading endangered wildlife is punishable by imprisonment of six years and a fine of P200,000.
On the other hand, the unlawful importation of goods with an appraised value of more than P250,000 is penalized by imprisonment of not less than 30 days and one day but not more than six months or a fine of not less than P25,000 but not more than P75,000.