Authorities have intercepted an attempt to smuggle nearly 2,000 live spiders at the General Santos International Airport in General Santos City.

According to the PNP-General Aviation Police, the 1,902 wild spiders were packed inside 23 rolled cardboard hidden in a box and were discovered during a random inspection of outbound cargo.

The operation was launched after authorities received an intelligence report about the illegal shipment bound for Iloilo province.

Police said these spiders are believed to be intended for spider derbies, according to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).

“According sa DENR murag pasabong. Considered man gud niya siya nga wild life makatabang sa atung environment,” General Aviation Police Station OIC Chief, Lt. Merline Parcon, said.

Authorities are now tracing the shipper to determine the source of the spiders and the consignee of the cargo.

Police said unauthorized transport of wildlife is punishable by a fine of P100,000 to P1 million and imprisonment of one to six years under the Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act (RA 9147).

“According sa RA9147 One hundred thousand to one million ang fine tapos 1 to 6 years ang imprisonment, mag avoid or mag prohibit na gyud ta lalo na kanang naga panulo kay manguha sila og damang tapos ibaligya,” Parcon added.

The seized spiders are now in the custody of DENR-CENRO.