SHENZHEN - Customs authorities in the southern metropolis of Shenzhen have intercepted more than 7,000 beads made of the shells of an endangered clam species.

A suspect was caught in August with 7,319 bead-shaped objects in a suitcase at Luohu Port in Guangdong Province.

According to customs, the beads, weighing a total of 18.2 kg, were made of the shells of Tridacnidae, a giant clam listed as a Class I state-protected animal in China.

According to Chinese law, passengers are prohibited from mailing and carrying wildlife and related products unless they have government-approved certificates.

The case has been transferred to the anti-smuggling department of the customs.