Dangerous scorpions found in foreign mail

Dangerous scorpions have been found in post sent from the Philippines in east China's Zhejiang Province, local authorities said Thursday.

Zhejiang Entry-exit Inspection and Quarantine Bureau said a small package, declared as souvenirs without commercial value, was found to contain 10 live scorpions, known as Androctonus australis. They were found at the bureau's Xiaoshan branch.

It is the first time the inspection office at the port has found such species, the provincial bureau said.

Androctonus australis, one of the most poisonous scorpions, come from deserts in countries like Algeria, Libya and Egypt, and can kill people within hours. There is no effective blood serum in the world to cure a sting from such a scorpion.

Based on laws and regulations, living animals are prohibited from entering China.

Wenzhou inspection and quarantine department found 22 live spiders in foreign post recently.

Driven by the booming pet market in the country, pet lovers and store owners illegally import animals and insects via mail. On the Internet, online vendors sell Androctonus australis for 200 yuan (about $32) each.

Sources with the provincial bureau said since origins of the animals are unknown and have not gone through quarantine inspection, they may bring harmful microorganisms and viruses.

In addition, alien species do not have natural enemies in China, which may threaten the country's ecological safety.