Man arrested with more than 100 live snakes in his pockets

A man was arrested in China with more than 100 live snakes in his pants pockets that he was trying to smuggle into the country, authorities said.

“During an inspection, customs officers found six bags (…) sealed with adhesive tape in the trouser pockets of this person,” Chinese Customs said on Tuesday, without specifying when this discovery dates back.

“Each contained live snakes of all kinds, sizes and colors,” they noted.

Customs officials seized 104 reptiles of five species, including Texas snakes and milk and corn snakes, the Customs press release said.

Border post between China and Hong Kong

A video of the seizure shows two customs officers examining transparent plastic bags, in which red and white snakes move.

The individual in question was apprehended “recently” at a border crossing between mainland China and the semi-autonomous territory of Hong Kong, in Shenzhen.

China is one of the world’s main hubs for animal trafficking, but authorities have taken significant steps in recent years to combat the illicit trade.