Police are investigating three men detained in Japan for attempting to smuggle protected hermit crabs after hotel staff noticed suspicious noises from their luggage. The crabs, valued for their ecological importance, raise questions about the suspects' intentions.
Trio Arrested in Japan for Illegal Smuggling of Protected Hermit Crabs
Trio Arrested in Japan for Illegal Smuggling of Protected Hermit Crabs
Three Chinese nationals were caught attempting to export thousands of hermit crabs from Japan's Amami Island, a site recognized for its unique biodiversity.
Three men have been arrested in Japan for their attempt to smuggle a significant number of hermit crabs, a species protected under national law. The suspects, aged 24, 26, and 27, are reported by local media to be Chinese nationals. They were detained on Amami Island, a southern region where these spiral-shelled crustaceans are considered a vital part of the local ecosystem.
The scheme unraveled when hotel staff, who were tasked with tending to the men's baggage, heard unusual "rustling noises" coming from their suitcases. Authorities were alerted and subsequently discovered thousands of live hermit crabs, with an estimated weight of around 95 kg. A third individual was found in possession of an additional 65 kg hidden in another set of three suitcases.
According to a police spokesperson, the investigation is ongoing to determine the intentions behind the smuggling attempt. Questions remain whether the crabs were meant for resale, kept as pets, or intended for consumption. The police highlighted the ecological significance of hermit crabs, describing them as "a national treasure" that contributes to the biodiversity of Amami Island.
These unique creatures are frequently spotted along the island’s picturesque beaches, drawing attention from both tourists and researchers. Commercially, hermit crabs can fetch prices as high as ¥20,000 (approximately £103), adding an extra layer of complexity to the motivations behind the smuggling attempt.
