In China, a woman was apprehended attempting to smuggle unusual stag beetles in her suitcase.
According to a report from Metro, the incident unfolded at Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport where the woman arrived with a suitcase, initially appearing visibly anxious. Despite her attempt to evade detection, the X-ray machine flagged something suspicious in her luggage, triggering an alarm.
Upon inspection, authorities discovered hundreds of insects concealed within the suitcase, some of which were still alive and actively crawling around. Astonished officers found 439 Japanese Stag Beetles hidden behind a snack packet. These orange-coloured beetles are considered exotic in China and are valued as one of the most expensive insects globally, with a single Stag Beetle Atlas fetching approximately Rs 8,000 in Japan.
However, the smuggling of plants and live animals is strictly prohibited in China. Nevertheless, reports indicate a growing demand for exotic insects in the country, leading to an increase in smuggling activities.
Allegedly, the arrested woman had been involved in smuggling operations for months. China has witnessed a surge in individuals owning exotic pets, including monkeys, crocodiles and various bird species, with many affluent individuals acquiring these pets through smugglers at exorbitant prices.
In a separate incident, customs officials in Xiamen intercepted a ship transporting over 20,000 live cockroaches. This highlights the extent of illegal wildlife trafficking occurring in the region.
This event echoes a previous viral smuggling attempt, where customs authorities in Shenzhen thwarted a woman’s endeavour to transport 102 iPhones and 15 expensive watches from Hong Kong to China. The woman had strapped the contraband items onto her body in a failed bid to avoid detection.
These incidents highlight the ongoing challenges faced by authorities in combating smuggling activities, particularly concerning high-value goods and prohibited wildlife trade, in China and beyond.
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