CUSTOMS authorities in Shenzhen have intercepted more than 7,000 beads made from the shells of an endangered species of clam, it was revealed Monday.

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

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.

The case has been transferred to the customs’ anti-smuggling department for investigation.

Tridacnidae, commonly known as giant clams, is a taxonomic subfamily of very large saltwater clams. Also known as the “King of Clams,” they can grow to sizes as large as 1 meter or more and weigh up to 300 kg.

(Xinhua)