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Smuggling dung beetles. Photo: EPA
Dung beetles, a local delicacy in China, intercepted by Chinese border authorities in Yunnan Province in southwest China last week, posed a threat to trade, according to Chinese media.
More than 2,100 live dung beetle larvae, packed in six boxes designed to carry eggs, were being carried across the border by three motorcycle drivers for delivery to Zhangfeng, a village where eating the beetles is a traditional custom.
Inspectors stopped the drivers and found that some of the larvae had progressed to the pupal stage, said the Chuncheng Evening News.
The boxes contained bits of cattle dung, which authorities said could be carrying virus from hand, foot and mouth disease.
A motorcycle driver said he had obtained the beetles in Bhamo, Myanmar.