The Bureau of Customs – NAIA (BOC-NAIA) intercepted a parcel containing fourteen (14) pieces of Live Beetles and Larva concealed in plastic tubes hidden in the packages of snacks, biscuits, noodles and chocolates on July 29, 2021 in Central Mail Exchange Center (CMEC).
Beetles are plant-eating insects, commonly known as garden pests that damages crops, creating numerous small, round holes unto plants. Its larvae consumes plant roots, causing wilting, yellowing and stunted growth of host plants.
The parcel arrived on July 24, 2021, at Cargo Mail Exchange Center (CMEC) and was subjected to physical examination, which resulted in the discovery of 14 Live Beetles and Larva.
For lack of requisite clearance/permit from Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI), the subject plant-eating insects were seized for violation of Section 117 in relation to Section 1113 (f) of RA 10863, otherwise known as Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (CMTA), and Presidential Decree No. 1433 otherwise known as the Plant Quarantine Law of 1978.
Under Section 4 of PD 1433, the importation of potential animal pest which are liable to become agricultural crop pests and are capable of causing injury to agricultural crops is restricted subject to quarantine orders, rules and regulations, thereby requiring Plant Quarantine Clearance and Phytosanitary Certificate from the Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI) prior to importation, otherwise the importation of which shall be considered prohibited.
Pursuant to Section 8, Customs Administrative Order No. 10-2020, all seized items were immediately turned over to the Bureau of Plant Industry for quarantine and immediate disposal to prevent the spread of possible plant pests that can affect local agriculture. (BOC)