Chinese customs officials caught a surprise in late June when a woman with “an odd body shape” was arrested to find that she had hidden five snakes originating from the United States in her brassiere.
It was at the border between mainland China and Hong Kong that customs officers at the port of Futian, in Shenzhen, discovered the five hissing reptiles, individually wrapped in nylon stockings, hidden in the bra of a traveler, according to this the South China Morning Post reported on Wednesday.
Initially, it was the “bizarre” shape of the woman who allegedly tipped off officers, leading to further inspection, customs officials said last Saturday on their official WeChat account.
The five reptiles, identified as corn snakes, are thought to be native to the southeastern United States. Due to their beautiful colors and gentle temperament, these reptiles are said to be increasingly popular in China, according to Chinese English-language media.
Under the initial publication, Internet users would have praised the work of the officers, impressed by their lynx eye. Others instead expressed disgust at the reptiles.
“I won’t even touch them, much less hide them in my bra,” commented one of them.
“I don’t even watch snakes on my cellphone,” replied a second.