Report: P5M worth of firecrackers seized in Davao

Customs officials in Davao City seized some P5 million worth of firecrackers after opening a 40-foot container van containing the items Monday afternoon. Radio dzBB's Davao affiliate reported Tuesday that Customs officials opened the container van in the presence of police at the Sasa Wharf. The report said the shipment from China, which was declared as containing plastic items and flashlights, arrived last Nov. 21. But authorities held the container van after an x-ray scan indicated the presence of pyrotechnics or explosives inside it. After opening the container van Monday, Customs inspectors initially found toys but eventually discovered the firecrackers. Police and Customs officials suspect the firecrackers were to be sold in Davao City, defying an ordinance declaring the city firecracker-free during the holidays. The report said the shipment was consigned to a business establishment in the city but no one has claimed it so far. — RSJ, GMANews.TV