P62-M shipment of agarwood seized in Davao

MANILA, Philippines — The Bureau of Customs (BOC) has seized P62 million worth of agarwood for shipment to Vietnam via Ninoy Aquino International Airport in Manila.

The 73 kilograms of agarwood chips in six boxes were confiscated at Port of Davao on Dec. 24.

Agarwood is on the National List of Threatened Philippine Plants. Agarwood, aloeswood, or gharuwood is a fragrant dark resinous wood used in making incense and perfume. It forms in the heartwood of aquilaria trees when they become infected with a type of mold.

Agarwood is sought primarily for its warming qualities and for its soothing effects when burned as incense. The powdered form of the species is also used to treat diarrhea, dysentery, vomiting and anorexia.

The BOC said the shipment was initially declared as “woodcraft.”

—Tina G. Santos