Chinese customs officers at Luohu Port in Shenzhen have foiled an unusual wildlife smuggling attempt after two women were caught hiding live endangered parrots inside their trouser pockets.
The two female travellers reportedly entered the customs inspection area wearing loose-fitting trousers and did not declare any items.
However, customs officers became suspicious after noticing unusually bulging trouser pockets and the pair’s awkward walking posture.
During an inspection, officers discovered a sealed black plastic bag inside each woman’s trouser pocket. The bags appeared to contain live animals that were moving inside.
When the bags were opened, officers found two live parrots wrapped tightly in semi-transparent mesh bags.
The birds’ legs had also been tied with string, allegedly to prevent them from struggling or making noise during the smuggling attempt.
The parrots were later identified by the Shenzhen Customs Animal and Plant Inspection and Quarantine Technology Centre as a Sulphur-crested Cockatoo and a Black-headed Caique.
Both species are listed under Appendix II of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) and are protected under China’s import and export regulations.
The case has been handed over to the relevant authorities for further investigation.
Shenzhen Customs reminded travellers that endangered wildlife and related products cannot be brought into or out of the country without the necessary official permits.
Authorities warned that anyone found smuggling protected species could face criminal prosecution if the offence is deemed serious.
