OMEN
10-05-2007, 08:24 AM
MANILA (AFP) - A Philippine customs officer got the shock of her life when a routine search of a box supposedly containing clothing found a consignment of deadly scorpions and spiders, allegedly sent by an angry wife.
The Philippine postal service said Wednesday it has launched an investigation into the consignment, which was sent from Hong Kong to an address in suburban Manila.
According to local media reports the box was destined for a man named Herman Sayo and sent by his wife.
"Sayo's representative tried to claim the package, but customs officials said they wanted to check its contents," the Philippine Star said Wednesday.
"It was misdeclared because what was written on the dispatch was personal clothing. That's why the examiner was surprised when it was opened," the Philippine Daily Inquirer quoted district port collector Nelson Ebio saying.
"The scorpions almost bit the examiner," he added.
Malou Referial, operations supervisor at the Philippine mail exchange, said the fact the box was labelled clothing but contained something else may have violated Philippine laws.
The creatures were quarantined and later turned over to Manila's Parks and Wildlife office, the reports said. It was not clear whether any criminal charges would be pressed.
Reuters
The Philippine postal service said Wednesday it has launched an investigation into the consignment, which was sent from Hong Kong to an address in suburban Manila.
According to local media reports the box was destined for a man named Herman Sayo and sent by his wife.
"Sayo's representative tried to claim the package, but customs officials said they wanted to check its contents," the Philippine Star said Wednesday.
"It was misdeclared because what was written on the dispatch was personal clothing. That's why the examiner was surprised when it was opened," the Philippine Daily Inquirer quoted district port collector Nelson Ebio saying.
"The scorpions almost bit the examiner," he added.
Malou Referial, operations supervisor at the Philippine mail exchange, said the fact the box was labelled clothing but contained something else may have violated Philippine laws.
The creatures were quarantined and later turned over to Manila's Parks and Wildlife office, the reports said. It was not clear whether any criminal charges would be pressed.
Reuters