BFAR-12 confirms the seizure of forty-three pieces of live Red Piranha in General Santos City after authorities intercept a suspicious cargo shipment.
Officials lead a land-based operation that targets the illegal entry of exotic species which pose ecological danger to local waters and fisheries communities.
Agents discover containers filled with live piranha after conducting follow-up checks prompted by verified information about a possible smuggling attempt.
BFAR enforcers earlier coordinated with regional inspectors who traced the movement of the cargo from Cagayan de Oro City using land transport.
Investigators identify the consignee as a minor and determine that the live Red Piranha came from an unknown supplier using unregulated channels.
Authorities say the operation followed Fisheries Administrative Order No. 126 which prohibits possession or importation of harmful exotic species nationwide.
BFAR documents show that the suspect violated multiple fishery regulations that were designed to prevent destructive species from entering Philippine ecosystems.
BFAR will intensify surveillance operations in the region to stop traders from bringing ecological threats that can destroy freshwater resources and fish populations.
Officials also plan to increase public awareness campaigns urging residents to immediately report any suspicious transport of restricted aquatic species in their areas.
Authorities will continue monitoring local entry points to prevent illegal importation that jeopardizes biodiversity and disrupts natural food chains in Southern Mindanao.
