China customs busts wildlife smugglers

BEIJING - The General Administration of Customs (GAC) said Thursday it has intensified crackdown on smuggling of rare animals and plants through 2015.

Customs authorities nationwide discovered 160 smuggling cases from January to November, seizing 358 tonnes of rare animals, plants and their products.

"The GAC has intensified law enforcement cooperation with international organizations and been actively involved in the global fight against crimes against flora and fauna resources," said GAC head Yu Guangzhou.

Customs detected 2,088 smuggling cases in the first 11 months of the year, mostly involving farm produces, drugs, weapons and wastes.