Chinese authorities say they have arrested a man who tried to smuggle more than 100 live snakes through customs with his trousers stuffed with them.
China Customs said in a statement on Tuesday that the unidentified traveller was stopped by customs officials as he tried to sneak out of semi-autonomous Hong Kong into Shenzhen with his scaly friends. CBS News reported..
“Customs officials found six canvas drawstring bags stuffed in the pockets of the passenger’s trousers and sealed with tape,” the official said.
“Once opened, each bag contained live snakes of various shapes, sizes and colours,” officials added.
Video released by authorities shows Border Patrol agents peering at a clear bag filled with wriggling, colorful snakes.
In total, Chinese customs seized 104 snakes, many of them exotic species.
China is one of the world’s biggest hubs for illegal animal trafficking, but authorities have recently been stepping up efforts to crack down on the trade, according to CBS.
Strict biosecurity and disease control regulations prohibit the introduction of exotic species into the country without permission.
“Those who break the rules will be held accountable in accordance with the law,” customs officials said, without revealing what punishment the man might face.
