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A man was arrested after trying to smuggle more than 100 live snakes into mainland China hidden in his trousers, customs authorities said Tuesday.

The traveler, whose name remains unknown, was detained by customs officers as he tried to leave the semi-autonomous city of Hong Kong and enter the border city of Shenzhen, the customs service said in a statement.

“After inspection, customs officers discovered that there were six bags sealed with adhesive tape in the pockets of the passenger’s trousers,” he said.

“Once opened, each bag contained live snakes of all shapes, sizes and colours,” he added.

According to the release, officers seized 104 reptiles, including milk snakes and corn snakes, many of which were non-native species.

A video shows two border agents inspecting clear plastic bags filled with writhing red, pink and white snakes.

China is one of the world’s largest animal trafficking hubs, but authorities have cracked down on the illicit trade in recent years.

The country’s biosecurity and disease control laws prohibit the introduction of non-native species without permission.

“Those who violate the rules will be held responsible according to the law,” the customs authority said, without specifying the penalty imposed on the man.

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