Man smuggled scorpions, snakes from China

STOCKHOLM, Sweden, Nov. 14 (UPI) -- A Swedish court sentenced a man to 60 hours of community service for smuggling 41 scorpions and eight snakes from China.

Authorities said the 28-year-old man, who is a snake breeder, was stopped at Stockholm Arlanda Airport and inspectors discovered 41 scorpions, five vipers and three Chinese grass snakes in his luggage, the Swedish news agency TT reported Monday.

Investigators said the creatures were kept in plastic containers and two of the snakes did not survive the trip from China.

The man, who was convicted of smuggling in Attunda District Court, told the court he had received the animals as a gift.

Prosecutors said authorities had previously intercepted a courier package sent to the man from Hong Kong with five snakes in two containers marked "toys."