BOC seizes P1.72M worth of agarwood, one of world’s priciest raw materials

The Bureau of Customs - Port of Davao (BOC) on Tuesday seized a shipment of agarwood, one of the world’s most expensive raw materials, that had been misdeclared as wood frames for souvenirs.

Through x-ray scanning and physical examination,  authorities found the 671 pieces of agarwood worth P1.72 million that was going to be exported without necessary permits. 

"The Port would like to thank the DENR, the PNP Aviation Security Group and Customs NAIA’s collaborative work with us, led by District Collector, Carmelita Talusan,” Erastus Austria, Port of Davao District Collector, said in a statement.

“We will continue to closely coordinate with them to ensure that our borders are efficiently protected from potential illegal exports of endangered trees… Certainly, we will not tolerate these acts of illegal trade in any of our airports and seaports,” he added.

The BOC said the package will be turned over to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).

In early December, the BOC also seized P2.4 million worth of agarwood.

A forest ranger has expressed concern over the dwindling supply of agarwood as it is being targeted by armed poachers, while the DENR-Centro Bunawan said that today’s agarwoods have become too small.

Meanwhile, the BOC said Customs NAIA will continue to provide the Davao Port with all material information regarding potential export shipments of this kind. — Joahna Lei Casilao/BM, GMA News