Customs seizure of smuggled bear paws, etc.

Recently, Harbin Customs District seized 214 bear paws, totaling 218.97 kilograms in one anti-smuggling action, marking the largest number of smuggled bear paws across China in 2019. 

Allegedly, anti-smuggling officers with Suifenhe Customs House earlier captured two criminal suspects involved in smuggling endangered animal products and then, by searching their residences, seized 214 bear paws, 19 bear teeth (0.38 kilogram), 5 bear toenails (0.05 kilogram), and 4 antelope horns. Now, the suspects are detained under criminal investigation.

In accordance with China’s Criminal Law, the smuggler of rare animals and relevant products that are prohibited from import and export should usually be subject to 5-10 years of imprisonment with relevant fine and, in serious case, be subject to more than 10 years of imprisonment or life imprisonment with confiscation of their property.