THE Bureau of Customs Cebu-Subport of Mactan seized last Tuesday, August 31, a parcel containing 4.98 kilograms of extracted shark teeth misdeclared as plastic components for fashion accessories.
The parcel’s suspicious x-ray image results prompted the X-Ray Inspection Project Team (XIP) to mark it for further verification.
Accordingly, a physical examination was conducted by the assigned Customs Examiner and the representatives from the XIP, Enforcement and Security Service (ESS), Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service (CIIS), Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), and DHL Express Cebu.
The BFAR representative confirmed the contents of the parcel to be shark teeth and not plastic components as declared. No Import Permit was issued by the BFAR for this importation, records show.
BFAR Regional Director Dr. Alan Poquita said exportation of shark's teeth is illegal since slaughtering of sharks are illegal. Poquita said sharks in the country are considered endangered species.
According to Poquita, shark's teeth are commonly used by the furniture and fashion accessories industry.
After finding probable cause for violation of Section 1113 (F), (I), and (L-3,4,&5) in relation to Sections 117 and 1400 of the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (CMTA), Acting District Collector Charlito Martin R. Mendoza immediately issued a Warrant of Seizure and Detention against the shipment.
“The Subport ensures that regulated goods are released only when covered with proper permits and clearances. The importer in this case did not secure a permit from the BFAR prior to the importation and intentionally misdeclared the goods to get away with it. We remind our importers and their representatives to properly declare their goods, and secure the necessary permits and clearances, to prevent seizures,” said Mactan Port Collector Gerardo A. Campo.
The seized articles will be disposed of under existing Customs laws and regulations after undergoing seizure and forfeiture proceedings. (PR)