Chinese Customs officials have stopped a man attempting to smuggle over 100 live snakes, concealed in his trousers, into the country.
Authorities say he was trying to cross the border through a non-declaration lane at Futian Port Control Point in Futian, Shenzhen.
Shenzhen is a border crossing between Hong Kong and mainland China.
Illegal wildlife smuggling is rampant in China, despite strict legal restrictions in place.
Recent reports from local news sources revealed that authorities apprehended a man last month while attempting to transport 454 turtles, including endangered species, from Macau to mainland China.
Upon personal examination of the suspicious-looking man, Futian Port authorities discovered six plastic bags crammed into his pants pockets.
He filled each of the bags with dozens of live snakes.
“Upon inspection, Customs officers discovered that the passenger packed six canvas drawstring bags in the trouser pockets and sealed them with tape.
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“The total tally indicated that he concealed 104 reptiles in his trousers, border officers said in a statement.
According to the statement, officials found five types of snakes in the bags.
They include milk snakes, western hognose snakes, corn snakes, Texas rat snakes and bullsnakes.
Four of these species are not indigenous to China, hence, they are prohibited from importation without proper documentation.
Authorities did not disclose the name of the smuggler. It is also not immediately clear whether the port authorities have arrested the man.
Nevertheless, officials cautioned that they might seek legal accountability under Chinese biosafety and disease control laws.
That is if it is determined that the individual’s actions contravened regulations. (eTurboNews)
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