The Bureau of Customs (BOC)-NAIA, in coordination with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), intercepted three outbound parcels containing ₱9.3 million worth of agarwood, a regulated forest product, at a warehouse facility in Pasay City.

Initially declared as dried alingatong wood chips, the parcels were flagged during x-ray screening and later subjected to 100% physical inspection, revealing a total of 12.42 kilograms of agarwood concealed inside.

The misdeclared shipment violated the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (RA 10863), the Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act (RA 9147), and the Revised Forestry Code (PD 705).

The seized items were placed under BOC-NAIA custody for proper disposition, with the DENR to take appropriate action.

BOC Commissioner Ariel F. Nepomuceno said the operation highlights the agency’s commitment to safeguarding natural resources and preventing the illegal trade of endangered species. District Collector Alexandra Y. Lumontad added that strict cargo monitoring and inter-agency collaboration remain crucial in stopping traffickers from exploiting international gateways.