MANILA, Philippines – The Bureau of Customs (BOC) at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) seized a kilogram of rare and highly valued agarwood worth P750,000 in an outbound cargo at a warehouse in Pasay City on January 31, 2025. The illegal shipment, which was set for export, was flagged during routine inspections due to discrepancies in its declaration.
Agarwood, a prized material used in luxury perfumes and traditional medicine, is strictly regulated under Philippine law. Authorities said the sender failed to present the necessary permits from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), leading to the confiscation of the shipment. Smuggling of agarwood is a serious offense under the Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act.
The BOC has launched an investigation to identify those behind the attempted smuggling. Officials reiterated their commitment to cracking down on the illegal wildlife trade and urged the public to report suspicious shipments. The seized agarwood will be turned over to the DENR for proper handling.