![Shanghai seizes 249 kg of pangolin scales smuggled from Africa(1/2)](http://www.ecns.cn/hd/2015/05/19/218fe2ff306b467f9b79a98fc286d0f5.jpg)
An officer with China Customs shows off pangolin scales smuggled from Africa in Shanghai municipality, May 18, 2015. China Customs seized 249 kg of pangolin scales stored in nine separate pieces of luggage, the largest smuggling case of animal and plant products in Shanghai. A suspect worked with a colleague in Africa to smuggle the items and then sell in China. According to traditional Chinese medicine beliefs, the scales of a pangolin may help reduce swelling and boost lactation. (Photo: China News Service/Huang Shangshang)