MANILA, Philippines — Up to 178 spiderlings reportedly misdeclared as hairclips have been confiscated at the port of Clark in Pampanga, according to the Bureau of Customs.
The BOC said the young spiders were in several vials that were placed in a parcel, which was intercepted at the port of Clark on Oct. 30.
The parcel reportedly came from Indonesia and was addressed to a consignee in Valenzuela.
The BOC said that of the 178 spiderlings, only 157 remained alive.
The bureau said the attempt to smuggle live spiderlings violated the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act, in relation to Republic Act 9147 or the Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act.
The spiders were turned over to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources for proper disposition.