Photo: Sina Weibo

A female traveler who tried to smuggle 20 living animals including 15 snakes, four centipedes and a lizard by concealing them on her body was stopped by the Huanggang Customs in Shenzhen, South China’s Guangdong Province recently. 

The customs officers found the traveler entering Futian port appear to be quite absurd with her tight clothes and the weird way of walking. 

Further inspection showed that she concealed or tied multiple living animals in her pockets or to her waist and chest. 

According to the customs, the 20 living creatures that the woman attempted to smuggle were identified as nine kingsnakes, six hognose snakes, four Peruvian giant yellow-leg centipedes and one lizard, all of which are exotic species. 

Recently, cases of female travelers carrying living creatures from abroad have been occurring frequently at Huanggang Customs in Shenzhen. Another woman hiding 16 living lizards to her chest was stopped at the Futian port by the Huanggang Customs officers recently. All the 16 living lizards belonged to the exotic species of Malaysian sail-finned lizards.

The customs reminded that it is prohibited to trade, carry or mail endangered animals and their products in and out of the country without obtaining a permit issued by the national endangered species management department. 

Besides, individuals who are involved in the illegal import, export, or smuggling of endangered wildlife and their products will be subject to penalties by the customs authorities in accordance with relevant laws and regulations. Those who are involved in severe violations constituting a crime, will be held criminally liable in accordance with the law. 

Global Times