A "nervous" traveller was caught attempting to smuggle 170 live vampire crabs hidden in his backpack through an international port.

Customs officers noticed the man, identified only by the surname Huang, using the green channel and avoiding the X-ray scanner while displaying suspicious behaviour at the Gongbei Port, on the border between China and Macau, on 9th April.

He was stopped by officials at the passenger inspection hall, where they discovered a large number of small, round, transparent plastic containers packed inside his backpack.

Each box contained a brightly coloured, live crab of various exotic species.

Customs authorities confirmed in a 28th April statement that a total of 170 crabs were found and identified them as vampire crabs, including the purple vampire crab.

Zhakou Customs seize 170 live crabs from a traveler in China, April 9, 2025. Note: Photo is a screenshot from a video(AsiaWire/NX)

The species is native to Southeast Asia and India and is not naturally found in China, making them an alien species under Chinese biosecurity regulations.

Vampire crabs, also referred to as devil crabs, are named for their bright yellow eyes and striking body colours, with individual crabs typically measuring under three centimetres (1.2 inches) in length.

According to China's Biosafety Law and the Entry and Exit Animal and Plant Quarantine Law, it is illegal to bring live animals into the country or introduce alien species without prior approval.

Zhakou Customs seize 170 live crabs from a traveler in China, April 9, 2025. Note: Photo is a screenshot from a video(AsiaWire/NX)

Customs officers stated they will pursue legal action against Huang in line with relevant legislation.

One user on the Chinese social site Weibo noted that smuggling live animals poses serious ecological risks and praised the vigilance of customs officials.

Another commenter observed that while vampire crabs are popular among aquarium hobbyists, importing them illegally is reckless and endangers native habitats.

(MJ Leidig/newsX)