Customs intercepts smuggled firecrackers

THE authorities have tightened its watch at the local port to prevent the smuggling of firecrackers to other places.

Personnel of the Bureau of Customs have intercepted last Monday a Malaysian-bound shipment of undocumented firecrackers.

Customs policeman Roderick Isquierdo said a total of 40 boxes were seized aboard a passenger-cargo ferry that was scheduled to leave for Malaysia via Sandakan in the State of Sabah.

Isquierdo said no one was arrested since nobody came forward to claim ownership of the cargo, which bore fictitious name of consignee on its Bill of Lading.

The confiscated boxes of firecrackers, which consist of Piccolo and Bawang, were opened for inventory on Wednesday.

Through the recommendation of the Health department, the government has prohibited the sale and use of Piccolo and Bawang as these are considered dangerous types of firecrackers.

The shipment of firecrackers without pertinent papers is prohibited as there are safety requirements in transporting these and other pyrotechnic products. (Bong Garcia)