WEB DESK: A startling attempt to smuggle more than 100 live snakes into mainland China by concealing them in trousers has been thwarted by customs authorities, China’s customs authority reported on Tuesday.
The unnamed traveler was intercepted by customs officers at a border checkpoint, as he attempted to cross from semi-autonomous Hong Kong into the mainland city of Shenzhen.
“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 said. “Once opened, each bag was found to contain living snakes in all kinds of shapes, sizes, and colors.”
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Authorities seized a total of 104 snakes, including milk snakes and corn snakes, many of which were identified as non-native species. A video accompanying the statement showed border agents examining transparent plastic bags filled with squirming snakes in shades of red, pink, and white.
Despite China’s status as a major global hub for animal trafficking, the authorities have intensified efforts to combat illegal trade in recent years. The country’s stringent biosecurity and disease control laws prohibit the importation of non-native species without proper authorisation.
“Those who break the rules will be held liable in accordance with the law,” the customs authority affirmed, though it did not specify the punishment for the detained individual.