Photo: China's General Administration of Customs

Customs officers at Beijing Daxing International Airport recently seized 96 alcohol-soaked termite queens in three bottles, according to China's General Administration of Customs on September 15.

Beijing customs officers detected an anomaly in the X-ray of a passenger's luggage, who had opted for the green channel. The image showed three unidentified objects inside a suitcase. 

Upon inspection, officers found three bottles containing 96 insects, weighing 1.02 kilograms, soaked in alcohol.

According to the passenger, the insects are termite queens, intended to be brought back to the country for making medicinal liquor. Beijing customs officers have since confiscated and safely disposed of the item. 

Customs officers reminded that animal specimens that have not undergone quarantine may carry harmful organisms such as bacteria and parasites. Without the approval and permission of the country's administrative authorities, animal specimens are prohibited to be brought or sent into the country.

Global Times