Thirteen boxes of baby eels bound for Taiwan seized at international airport

Manila: About 13 boxes containing baby eels, also called elvers, that were bound for Taiwan, were confiscated at Pasay City’s Ninoy Aquino International Airport, a TV report said.

The confiscated eels, found in water-filled plastic bags, were worth P 750,000 (Dh66,000), Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources director Asis Perez told ABS CBN

Importing eels is illegal, according to the BFAR Administrative Order 242 that was issued in May this year, said Perez, adding that violation of the administrative order carries a penalty of eight years imprisonment, confiscation of the catch and a fine equivalent to double the value of the seized catch.

It could also mean the revocation of fishing and/or export permits of the importer, said Perez.

Eels are considered a delicacy in China, Japan, and other Asian countries.

The Bureau of Customs is still looking for the identity of the consignee of the smuggled eels, said BOC Commissioner Ruffy Biazon.

Last June, Philippine quarantine officials seized two million baby eels that were destined for Hong Kong.