In a bold attempt to smuggle live snakes into mainland China, a man was apprehended by customs officers in Beijing. The incident took place as the unnamed traveler tried to sneak out of Hong Kong and enter the border city of Shenzhen, according to a statement by China Customs on Tuesday.

Upon inspection, the customs officers made a shocking discovery - the pockets of the man's trousers were filled with six canvas drawstring bags, tightly sealed with tape. The bags contained a total of 104 live snakes, showcasing a variety of shapes, sizes, and colors. A video accompanying the statement revealed two border agents examining transparent plastic bags filled with wriggling red, pink, and white serpents.

Among the confiscated reptiles were milk snakes and corn snakes, many of which were non-native species. This incident highlights the ongoing issue of animal trafficking in China, which remains one of the world's largest hubs for such illicit activities. However, authorities have been diligently cracking down on the illegal trade in recent years.

China's strict biosecurity and disease control laws prohibit the importation of non-native species without proper permission. The customs authority warned that individuals who flaunt these rules would face legal consequences, although the statement did not specify the punishment for the man involved in this particular case.

The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of vigilance in curbing illegal wildlife trafficking and protecting the biodiversity of different regions. The authorities' intervention in intercepting such smuggling attempts contributes to preserving the delicate balance of ecosystems.

Efforts to combat animal trafficking and enforce biosecurity laws are crucial in safeguarding both local and global biodiversity. As authorities continue to crack down on these unlawful activities, it is hoped that such incidents will serve as a deterrent to those thinking of engaging in illegal wildlife trade.