Skip to Content

Man Stopped at Customs with 104 Live Exotic Snakes Down His Pants

Published:

Author:
Author Linnea H, BSc Sociology

Man Stopped at Customs with 100 Live Snakes Down His Pants
(Shenzhen Customs)

In a bizarre incident, a man was caught attempting to smuggle over 100 live snakes into mainland China by hiding them in his pants.

Intercepted at Futian Port

Man Stopped at Customs with 100 Live Snakes Down His Pants
(Shenzhen Customs)

The man was intercepted by customs officers at the Futian Port, a checkpoint between Hong Kong and mainland China.

Unusual Cargo

Man Stopped at Customs with 100 Live Snakes Down His Pants
(Shenzhen Customs)

During an inspection, officers found six canvas drawstring bags taped in the pockets of his pants.

Various Species of Snakes

Man Stopped at Customs with 100 Live Snakes Down His Pants
(Shenzhen Customs)

The bags contained 104 live snakes of five different species: milk snake, western hognose snake, corn snake, Texas rat snake, and bullsnake.

Non-Native Species

Man Stopped at Customs with 100 Live Snakes Down His Pants
(Shenzhen Customs)

Four of the species are non-native to China and none of them are venomous.

Incident Timing

red-bellied black snake
By Oliver Neuman – Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=49002253

The customs agency mentioned that the incident occurred a few days ago but did not specify the exact date.

The boa constrictor is a fish snake that can reach an adult size of 2 meters (Boa constrictor amarali) to 4 meters (Boa constrictor constrictor). In Brazil, where is the second largest snake. Image via depositphotos.

The customs agency warned that violating regulations could lead to legal liability.

Previous Smuggling Attempts

Malayan Krait is on a man’s hand. A snake with black and white stripes along the body length. Image via Depositphotos.

In June, another man was arrested for attempting to smuggle 454 endangered turtles from Macau to mainland China.

Importance of Customs Inspections

Corn snake
This six month old corn snake is eating a “pinkie” (a baby mouse). Image via Dustin Miller, CC BY-SA 3.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

This incident highlights the importance of thorough customs inspections to prevent illegal wildlife trade.

Smuggling Techniques

Eastern brown snake
Eastern brown snake – a highly venomous Australian species. Image via Depositphotos

Smugglers often use creative and dangerous methods to transport animals illegally.

Conservation Efforts

Snake
An adult male rainbow snake found in Virginia. Image via Marioxramos, CC BY-SA 4.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Authorities continue to crack down on wildlife smuggling to protect endangered species and maintain ecological balance.

Risks of Smuggling

Coral snake
Roatan Coral Snake. Image via JoelAmaya, CC BY-SA 4.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Smuggling wildlife poses risks to both the animals and the ecosystems they are introduced to.

International Smuggling Rings

Pine snake
Pine Snake. Image via Glenn Bartolotti, CC BY-SA 4.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Incidents like these suggest the presence of organized smuggling rings operating across borders.

Public Awareness

Ribbon snake
Eastern ribbon snake (Thamnophis sauritus sauritus) at the Kankakee Fish & Wildlife Area, English Lake, Indiana. Image via Chris Light, CC BY-SA 4.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Raising public awareness about the consequences of wildlife smuggling is crucial.

Future Preventive Measures

Milk snake
milk snake. Image via Will Brown, CC BY 2.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Customs authorities are likely to implement stricter measures to prevent such incidents in the future.

Snake
Rough green snake in zoo. Image via Ltshears, CC BY-SA 3.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Strengthening the legal framework to address wildlife smuggling is essential for conservation efforts.

Conclusion

eastern brown snake
Australian highly venomous Eastern Brown Snake. Image via Depositphotos

This unusual and alarming incident underscores the ongoing battle against wildlife smuggling and the need for vigilance and stricter regulations to protect our natural world.

Next Up:

California Man Rescues Venomous Snakes As A Hobby

Snake Gets Tennis Ball Massaged Out of Throat

Indian Man Bites Snake in Self-Defense and Survives Venomous Attack

Latest posts by Linnea H, BSc Sociology (see all)