Smuggling suspect had 146 iPhones strapped to body in China

SHENZHEN CITY, China, March 16 (UPI) -- Authorities in China said a man caught with 146 iPhones strapped to his body set a new record for largest number of devices in a foiled smuggling attempt.

Customs officials said the man was spotted walking "at a really slow pace with a strangely stiffened back" while carrying only a small shoulder bag March 6 at the border crossing in Shenzhen City, Guangdong Province.

Officers had the man walk through a metal detector, and he was taken for a search when the device indicated the presence of metallic objects on his body.

The man was found to have 126 iPhones strapped around his waist in a belt-like formation and another 20 devices were found strapped to his legs.

Customs officers said the man had purchased the phones in Hong Kong. They said smugglers often attempt to bring devices over from Hong Kong due to the lower tax rates on the island.

Investigators said the same man was busted in attempted smuggling attempts at least four times previously. They said a total 511 cellphones have been seized from the man at border crossings.