5,000 rare frogs saved from smugglers in China

Over 5,000 rare Indian bullfrogs, found in the wetlands of South and Southeast Asia, have been seized in China after they were smuggled from Vietnam, officials said Saturday.

The 5,326 frogs were seized in south China's Guangxi Zhuang region, Xinhua reported.

Fifty-four boxes containing the frogs were seized from a van on a national highway in the border city of Pingxiang June 20 after they were smuggled from Vietnam, customs officials said.

Meanwhile, 66 boxes containing another kind of frog were also seized. Two suspects were arrested and the frogs sent to the forestry department.

The Indian bullfrog is listed as a state-protected animal in China.