Dragons caged in plastic. Contributed photo
CLARK FREEPORT – The Bureau of Customs-Port of Clark intercepted four live bearded dragons inside a shipment declared as “Tupperware.”
The shipment that arrived from Malaysia on Jan. 27 was subjected to X-ray scanning that showed suspicious images, prompting a 100 percent physical examination. .
This led to the discovery of two (2) female and two (2) male live bearded dragons inside plastic containers with air holes.
BOC-Clark said the misdeclared bearded dragons were imported without the required sanitary & phytosanitary certificate and veterinary health certificate from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, in violation of Section 118 (g), 119 (f), 1113 (l, j) and 1400 of R.A. No. 10863 or the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act and RA 9147 or the Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act.
The bearded dragons were turned over to the DENR for rehabilitation and care on the same day they were found.
District Collector Alexandra Lumontad said the Port of Clark will remain consistent in protecting the borders against the importation of smuggled wildlife species to aid in the prevention of illegal wildlife trade in the country. With BOC-Clark PR
