Japanese authorities on Amami Island have arrested three Chinese nationals for smuggling thousands of hermit crabs in their luggage. The suspects, Liao Zibin, 24, Song Zhenhao, 26, and Guo Jiawei, 27, were caught with around 160 kilograms of live crustaceans on Wednesday.
Hotel staff in Amami City grew suspicious when they saw the unusual contents of the men’s bags. Police heard strange noises coming from the luggage and found six suitcases packed with hermit crabs when they investigated.
The men were arrested for possessing crustaceans without permission. The hermit crabs are a protected species in Japan due to their cultural and scientific significance. The crabs’ exact species hasn’t been disclosed.
Protected Species
Amami Island, located between Kyushu and Okinawa, is a popular tourist destination known for its diverse wildlife. The island is home to many unique species, including the hermit crabs seized by the police. Japan has strict laws to protect these animals.
The suspects’ motives for smuggling the hermit crabs are still unclear. The investigation is ongoing.
The CNN article that reported this story is available here.