Mainland man caught carrying 184 hermit crabs into mainland China

A man from the mainland was intercepted while attempting to carry 184 hermit crabs into mainland China. According to the Gongbei Customs, the man entered the mainland via the “green channel” at the Gongbei Port travel inspection hall on February 22. Customs officers found his behavior suspicious and noticed that he did not send his hand luggage for x-ray inspection. They stopped him for a check and discovered the hermit crabs in a plastic bag that he claimed contained “snacks.” Subsequent identification confirmed the crabs were “Coenobita purpureus” (Okinawan blueberry hermit crab), which are live animals prohibited from being brought into the country.