SHENZHEN, China – Mainland Chinese customs officers have intercepted a crafty attempt to illegally transport a slithering menagerie across the border from Hong Kong.
The unnamed man was caught trying to enter Shenzhen through the “Nothing to Declare” channel on Tuesday, with a shocking discovery hidden in his trousers. Upon inspection, officers found the man’s pockets concealing six canvas bags sealed with tape – each one containing multiple live snakes of various species.
In total, the customs administration says 104 serpents were seized, representing five non-native varieties including the mildly venomous western hognose snake. The reptilian contraband also included milk snakes, corn snakes, pilot black snakes, and bull snakes – all popular choices for exotic pet owners.
“Introducing any alien animal or plant species without approval is prohibited, and we will hold those in breach criminally liable,” the General Administration of Customs warned in a statement. Offenders face up to three years in jail and fines of up to 250,000 yuan ($34,350).
This intercepted smuggling attempt highlights China’s struggle to curb the lucrative illegal wildlife trade, which the country is the world’s largest destination for according to the Global Organized Crime Index. Hong Kong in particular has been identified as a major transit hub, exploiting “weak traceability systems” to facilitate these black market transactions.
Just last month, Shenzhen customs officers thwarted another exotic animal smuggling incident, stopping a woman attempting to bring nine live ornamental fish across the border. And in September 2023, another female traveler was caught hiding 16 live lizards under her clothing.
With creative concealment methods and a persistent demand for exotic pets, customs authorities face an uphill battle to keep China’s borders secure against this illicit wildlife trafficking. But this latest serpent seizure shows they remain vigilant in their efforts to stop such unlawful imports, no matter how the contraband is hidden.
