Customs officials seize black ants smuggled from Poland

The Bureau of Customs (BOC) uncovered two packages containing black ants from Poland, which environment officials said may cause harm if released, GMA News' Jun Veneracion reported on "24 Oras."

At least live 375 black ants, each contained in a glass test tube with nutrient solution were found in two packages that arrived in the country on different dates. One arrived last December and a second one in January.

There is only one name listed as the importer and consignee.

The black ants, said an official of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), are used as pets.

Maricar Puno-Sanchez, DENR Enforcement division Surveillance and Intelligence Section chief, said the ants are kept in an aquarium and these would start a colony.

The ants are currently with the DENR and these will be euthanized after the legal process has been completed.

Puno-Sanchez underscored the harm that these species can cause to the environment.

The ants are highly invasive, multiplies and spreads fast so the risk is high, she said. -- BAP, GMA News