Traveler Detained for Smuggling Dried Deer Genitals

Dried deer penis, cute buck (inset)

Authorities at the Blagoveshchensk-Heihe international passenger checkpoint in Russia’s Far Eastern Amur Region detained a Chinese woman for failing to declare the dried deer genitals she was carrying in her purse. Customs official Vitaly Shebanov told reporters Monday that, “The woman was trying to smuggle dried derivatives (parts of wild animals). Three red deer genital organs were discovered.” It turns out that deer genitals, which are used as an aphrodisiac in China, are, according to the Convention on International Trade of Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora, a controlled substance. The brazen smuggler will be fined and released.

In May 2012 customs agents in Seoul, Korea, intercepted thousands of illegally smuggled capsules from Korean nationals returning from vacations in China. The powder-filled capsules contained dried human babies, which some in China believe can cure illness. Aside from being terribly disturbing, it is known that human remains can carry disease and viruses. Most of the tourists thought the capsules were for increased stamina, and were shocked to find out the secret ingredient.

Slideshow: Smugglers’ Secrets