This photograph taken and launched by Shenzhen Customs on July 9, 2024 exhibits smuggled snakes confiscated inside a plastic bag on the Shenzhen Customs workplace in Shenzhen. | Picture credit score: AFP
A person has been caught attempting to smuggle greater than 100 dwell snakes into mainland China by stuffing them into his pants, in line with the nation’s customs authority.
The unnamed traveler was detained by customs officers as he tried to depart semi-autonomous Hong Kong and attain the border metropolis of Shenzhen, China’s customs stated in a press release on Tuesday.
“Upon inspecting the car, customs officers found that the passenger’s pants pockets have been filled with six drawstring canvas luggage sealed with tape,” the assertion stated.
“As soon as opened, every bag was discovered to include dwell snakes of all shapes, sizes and colors,” he added.
The discharge stated officers seized 104 scaly reptiles, together with milk snakes and corn snakes, a lot of which have been non-native species.
An accompanying video confirmed two border brokers wanting inside clear plastic luggage stuffed with writhing pink, pink and white snakes.
China is likely one of the world’s largest animal trafficking hubs, however authorities have cracked down on the illicit commerce in recent times.
The nation’s biosecurity and illness management legal guidelines prohibit individuals from introducing non-native species with out permission.
“Those that violate the principles shall be held accountable in line with the legislation,” the customs authority stated, with out specifying the punishment for the person.