‘Wildlife Smuggler’ convicted

On Jul 22, 2020

Some of the endangered reptiles seized from the suspect, Neil Ryan Dysoco, last year at the NAIA (photo credit: BOC-NAIA).

THE Bureau of Customs lauded the conviction of an individual who was caught with 63 species of endangered reptiles last year at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport.

In a statement today, July 22, 2020, the BOC said the judgement issued by Hon. Judge Allan B. Ariola, Branch 48, Metropolitan Trial Court, Pasay City, against Neil Ryan Dysoco, “manifests the seriousness and commitment” of the agency against all forms of smuggling, in partnership with other government agencies.

Dysoco disembarked at the NAIA’s Terminal 2 in February 2019, from a flight from Bangkok, Thailand.

The BOC said that after inspecting his luggage, customs agents discovered 63 endangered reptiles consisting of 54 Iguanas; 2 Basilisk; 4 Veiled Chamelon; and, 3 Bearded Dragon, without any permit from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR),

The reptiles were then immediately turned over to the Wildlife Trafficking Unit of the DENR and Dysoco charged in court for violation of RA 9147 or the ‘Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act of 2001.’

Judge Ariola meted a penalty of 3 to 6 months imprisonment against Dysoco and a P20,000.00 fine.