Chinese customs officials have detained a man attempting to smuggle over 100 live snakes into mainland China by concealing them in his trousers.
The incident occurred at Futian Harbour, a border crossing between the Chinese special administrative region of Hong Kong and the southern Chinese city of Shenzhen. During a routine inspection, customs officials discovered six taped-up cloth bags filled with various colorful snakes hidden in the man’s lower clothing.
According to a statement from customs authorities, the man was found carrying 104 snakes of five different species, including corn snakes and triangle snakes. These species are native to North and Central America and are not found in China.
A video released by the customs office showed the man trying to pass through the undeclared goods corridor. It also depicted customs officers examining six large plastic bags into which the wriggling reptiles had been transferred.
China’s laws strictly prohibit the import of non-native animals. The customs report indicated that anyone caught violating these regulations would be held accountable, though it did not specify the penalties the man would face.
