China - Customs catches man with 104 snakes in his pants
A man attempted to smuggle over a hundred living snakes in his trousers from Hong Kong Special Administrative Zone to the southern Chinese city of Shenzhen, according to the Customs of the People's Republic of China. The traveler was stopped by officers at the Futian Harbor, as he was trying to leave the Hong Kong Special Administrative Zone, the Customs announced. He had several bags in his trouser pockets.
China is a Hub for Animal Trade
"During the inspection, Customs officers discovered that there were six pouches in the traveler's trousers, each sealed with a zipper and tape," the Customs stated. "Upon opening, it was found that each pouch contained live snakes in various shapes, sizes, and colors."
The officers confiscated a total of 104 animals, the Customs added. Experts identified five different species, including Corn and Triangular snakes, which are not native to China but rather to North and Middle America. The authorities also released a video showing two border officers looking into transparent plastic bags, in which red, pink, and white snakes were coiled.
China is one of the largest global hubs for animal trade. However, the authorities have been cracking down on illegal trading in recent years. According to the law, it is prohibited to introduce non-native species without permission. "Those who violate the rules will be held accountable under the law," emphasized the Customs authorities – without specifying the penalty for the man.
In light of the incident, the Customs in China stated that the smuggling attempt took place from the Hong Kong Special Administrative Zone to Shenzhen, which is situated in Southern China. The confiscated snakes included non-native species like Corn and Triangular snakes, originating from North and Middle America.
