Rebecca Manzi At customs between Hong Kong and Shenzhen a man was stopped while trying to smuggle 104 live snakes in his trousers in six canvas bags
@China Customs
An unidentified man was caught smuggling more than 100 live snakes in his pants while crossing the border from Hong Kong into Shenzhen, mainland China. The man was stopped by Chinese customs officials at the “nothing to declare” checkpoint.
Snakes discovered in six canvas bags
During the inspection, officials found 104 snakes hidden in six canvas bags inside the man’s pants. A customs statement revealed that the bags contained snakes of various shapes, sizes, and colors.
A video released by customs authorities shows agents examining transparent bags filled with live snakes, exhibiting colors such as red, pink, and white. Despite many of the reptiles being small, the sheer number of snakes posed a significant risk to biosecurity and public health.
China: a major hub for animal trafficking
China has stringent biosecurity and disease control laws that prohibit the importation of non-native species without specific permits. Authorities stated that anyone violating these laws would be held accountable under existing regulations, although the man’s punishment has not been specified.
This incident is not isolated: in 2023, a woman was stopped at the same border crossing attempting to smuggle five snakes hidden in her bra. China is one of the world’s major hubs for animal trafficking and has intensified efforts in recent years to combat illegal wildlife trade. Stricter measures have been adopted to protect the country’s biodiversity and prevent the spread of diseases.
Animal trafficking: a lucrative but dangerous Trade
Animal trafficking is one of the most profitable activities in the black market but poses a severe threat to species conservation and public health. The introduction of non-native species can have devastating impacts on local ecosystems, leading to ecological imbalances and the possible extinction of native species.
