A man attempted to smuggle over 100 live snakes into mainland China by concealing them in his trousers, customs officials reported.
The unnamed traveler was intercepted after passing through the “nothing to declare” gate at the Hong Kong-Shenzhen border.
Upon inspection, officials found 104 snakes in “six canvas drawstring bags” hidden inside his trousers, according to a statement from China Customs.
“Each bag contained live snakes of various shapes, sizes, and colors,” the statement added.
Video footage released by Chinese customs shows agents examining transparent plastic bags filled with red, pink, and white snakes.
Although most were small, the sight of so many wriggling reptiles stuffed into trousers was striking.
China’s strict biosecurity and disease control laws prohibit the import of non-native species without permission.
“Those who break the rules will be… held liable in accordance with the law,” the customs authority warned, though they did not specify the man’s punishment.
This incident follows a similar case in 2023 when a woman was caught at the same crossing trying to smuggle five snakes hidden inside her bra.
China, a major hub for animal trafficking, has been intensifying its efforts to combat illegal wildlife trade in recent years.
Source-BBC
