Two tonnes of live snakes were seized by customs officials in China.

The Baise Border Management Detachment in Guangxi reported the successful interception of two shipments of live snakes weighing approximately 2.7 tonnes in Baise.

The first smuggled shipment was intercepted on September 23, while the second occurred on October 3.

In mid-September, authorities received intelligence about illegal activities involving smuggling goods across the China-Vietnam border.

Following an investigation, police apprehended a lorry loaded with over 70 boxes of live snakes in Jinxin City on September 23, arresting one suspect.

Continuing their investigation, police received another tip-off and, on October 3, intercepted a second vehicle in the village of Bazhe, seizing over 50 additional boxes of live serpents and arresting another suspect.

The types of snakes in the shipments have not been disclosed, but they are often smuggled for use in traditional Chinese medicine, as delicacies, and for their skins.

Both shipments lacked legal documentation and have been handed over to forestry authorities for further processing.

Two suspects were arrested during the operations and are currently in criminal detention as the investigation continues.