The procuratorate body of Wuhan, capital of Hubei province, announced on Tuesday that it uncovered a case of carrier pigeons worth an estimated 3 million yuan ($483,300) was smuggled from Europe.

Two suspects, a man surnamed Ma and his wife, surnamed Zhao, were found to have imported carrier pigeons from their friend named Tony in Europe, Wuhan Morning Post reported.

On Jan 10, Tony allegedly sent 1,984 carrier pigeons to Ma via an Air France flight.

The procuratorate said the two parties declared the deal, but they used fake contracts and invoices, which claimed a lower price to avoid taxation.

After Wuhan Customs found the fake contracts and invoices, Ma and Zhao were detained by the police.

China has millions of carrier pigeon fans, who raise more than 80 million carrier pigeons.

Buying and selling these pigeons, especially those from overseas, is a lucrative trade, according to previous reports.