Wednesday, July 10, 2024 - A man was detained by customs officers in China as he tried to smuggle more than 100 live snakes into the country by hiding them down his pants.
China Customs Authority said in a statement Tuesday, July 9
that the man was detained in the border city of Shenzhen and he was travelling
from the semi-autonomous Hong Kong region.
“Upon inspection, customs officers discovered that the
pockets of the trousers the passenger was wearing were packed with six canvas
drawstring bags and sealed with tape,” the statement read.
“Once opened, each bag was found to contain living snakes in
all kinds of shapes, sizes and colours,” it added.
A total of 104 reptiles were recovered, including milk
snakes and corn snakes. Many of the reptiles were non-native to China.
The customs said none of the reptiles was venomous.
The statement by the Chinese authorities didn't specify
whether the man was arrested or not. However, the customs warned that “if the
regulations are violated, the customs will pursue legal liability in accordance
with the law.”
China is one of the world's biggest animal trafficking
hotspots, even though the authorities have cracked down on illicit trade.
Chinese laws make it illegal to bring in non-native species without permission
from the government.
“Is that 104 live snakes in your pocket or are you just pleased to see me?”
— Kerry Allen 凯丽 (@kerrya11en) July 10, 2024
The latest bust at Futian Port 🐍 pic.twitter.com/nMGXAXW0wn
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