Zhanjiang Customs busts four smuggling gangs

Zhanjiang Customs busted three endangered animal and plant smuggling gangs and one solid waste smuggling gang during a joint operation in Maoming and Nanning on Sept 14.

The operation was an extension of the Aug 1 case, which saw criminals arrested for smuggling products made from parts of rare animal species. As of Sept 14, authorities seized about 401 tons of contraband goods worth 470 million yuan ($69 million).

This included 794 nautilicones, 43 African rock python skins, and 2.23 tons of gorgonian, which are included in the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora, along with Class-I protected species and Class-II protected species.

From January to August, Zhanjiang Customs recorded 139 smuggling cases involving a total of 115 million yuan in contraband goods.