Japanese police apprehended three men attempting to smuggle thousands of hermit crabs, a protected species, from Amami Island. The investigation into their intentions is ongoing.
Three Arrested in Japan for Attempted Smuggling of Protected Hermit Crabs
Three Arrested in Japan for Attempted Smuggling of Protected Hermit Crabs
Three Chinese nationals caught with suitcases full of hermit crabs on Amami Island, prompting police investigation into their motives.
Three men were arrested in Japan on charges of attempting to smuggle hermit crabs out of the country, shedding light on the risks of trafficking protected species. The suspects, aged 24, 26, and 27, identified by Japanese media as Chinese nationals, were detained on Amami Island—a region renowned for its rich biodiversity, including these spiral-shelled crustaceans.
The peculiar situation unfolded when hotel staff, tasked with looking after the men's luggage, reported unusual "rustling noises" emanating from their suitcases. This alert prompted local police to investigate, whereupon they discovered thousands of hermit crabs, weighing approximately 95 kilograms in one set of luggage. Additionally, the third suspect was found with another 65 kilograms of crabs concealed in a separate trio of suitcases.
A police spokesman stated, "Our ongoing investigation is assessing whether the suspects intended to sell the crabs, keep them as pets, or consume them." The hermit crabs are considered "a national treasure" due to their integral role in Amami Island's unique ecosystem.
Commonly spotted on the picturesque beaches of the island, hermit crabs can fetch a price of up to ¥20,000 (approximately £103), adding to the potential motives behind the smuggling attempt. Given the delicate nature of such protected species, authorities remain vigilant in their efforts to thwart illegal trafficking and preserve the island's natural heritage.
