Recently, customs at Shanghai Pudong Airport intercepted live frogs, spiders, and other animals in the luggage of incoming passengers. Among these, the frogs are one of the most toxic species in the world. There is also a possibility that these poisonous frogs could be kept as pets.

At that time, during the supervision process of inbound flight passengers by the Pudong International Airport Customs, an anomaly was detected in the X-ray image of a passenger's carry-on luggage who had chosen the non-declaration channel for customs clearance.

Dong Bin, a first-level officer at the Fifth Passenger Inspection Division of Shanghai Pudong International Airport Customs: This individual appeared extremely nervous, and his walking posture and facial expressions were noticeably different from those of normal passengers. Combined with the imaging results, the image review indicated that there were issues with the items he was carrying. In his suitcase, we found plastic containers of various sizes, some containing tiny frog-like shapes and other insect-like forms. Similar containers with analogous species were also discovered in his handbag.

Upon opening and inspection, live frogs as well as other live animals such as ants, spiders, cockroaches, and fruit flies were found inside.

其中，兹米尔曼箭毒蛙、网纹箭毒蛙主要分布在拉丁美洲，是世界上毒性最强的物种之一，Its glandular mucus can act through human blood and cause death。

Dong Bin, a first-level officer at the Fifth Passenger Inspection Section of Shanghai Pudong International Airport Customs: At the scene, we were unaware that the frog was poisonous. When we inquired, the passenger stated that it was a glass frog and that he intended to keep it as a pet.

Li Wei, Deputy Section Chief of the Comprehensive Section at the Shanghai Customs Animal and Plant Quarantine Department: Identified by the Shanghai Customs Animal, Plant, and Food Inspection and Quarantine Technology Center, species such as the Dendrobates auratus and the Brazilian Jewel Tarantula are classified as alien species. Currently, Shanghai Customs has legally disposed of the intercepted live animals by destruction.

Laboratory analysis and identification of the intercepted live frog as poison dart frog

In recent years, some people have started keeping "exotic pets" primarily consisting of snakes, lizards, geckos, and insects. The trade of these "exotic pets" also poses significant safety risks, potentially bringing health risks to pet owners and even greater threats to domestic ecological security.

All intercepted inbound animals and plants by Shanghai Customs are sent to the Shanghai Customs Animal, Plant, and Food Inspection and Quarantine Technology Center for identification. In the laboratory, the reporter met with the identification experts.

Cai Yicun from the Shanghai Customs Animal, Plant, and Food Inspection and Quarantine Technology Center: These are all poison dart frogs, their backs are very colorful, and the patterns are quite distinctive. They are actually only about the size of a fingernail, very small.

In the laboratory, the researcher first conducted morphological and molecular identification of the captured live animal, and then integrated other data to ultimately identify it as a poison dart frog.

Cai Yicun from the Shanghai Customs Animal, Plant, and Food Inspection and Quarantine Technology Center: After donning all the necessary equipment, we conducted morphological photography of it. By researching its patterns online, we finally determined that it is a poison dart frog.

Customs officials explained that in recent years, the methods of cross-border invasion by foreign species have become more diverse and concealed, with inbound parcels and carried items also becoming pathways for invasion.

Cai Yicun from the Shanghai Customs Animal, Plant, and Food Inspection and Quarantine Technology Center: There are also many parcels, and a lot of snakes, turtles, and frogs. The variety of exotic pets has significantly increased the difficulty of our work.

Last year, customs intercepted nearly [number] of "exotic pets," all of which were safely handled.

In the past year, Shanghai Customs intercepted a total of "exotic pets" and other foreign species through non-trade channels such as passenger carry-ons and postal deliveries. Nearly all of the "exotic pets" were subjected to strict safety disposal in accordance with laws and regulations. Customs officials stated that according to the "Biosafety Law of the People's Republic of China" and the "Law of the People's Republic of China on the Entry and Exit Animal and Plant Quarantine" and its implementing regulations, "introduction of foreign species without approval is prohibited" and "carrying or mailing live animals and plants into the country is forbidden". Those who violate these regulations will be held legally accountable by the Customs.

Original Title: "Beware of 'Exotic Pets' Invasion! Customs Intercepts the World's Most Poisonous Frog"

Source: CCTV News Client

Editor: Liang Jing

Proofreading: Wei Yuan

Editor: Song Fangcan

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