'The bill of lading of the shipment says that they are all domestically farmed frogs imported from Thailand,' said Nguyen Sy Trang, chief customs officer of the port city of Hai Phong, 100 kilometers northeast of Hanoi.

'We have seized the shipment and launched an investigation into the case,' Trang told , adding that the shipment belonged to a Hong Kong-based company.

'The animals were bound for China, where they would probably be served as specialties,' Trang said.

Customs authorities said they would transfer the animals to the city's Forest Management Department, to be released into the wild.

Conservation groups say that Vietnam's forests, once rich with animal diversity, are being emptied by an increasing number of Vietnamese who can afford to eat exotic meats.

The problem is particularly acute in January and February when wildlife products – a symbol of wealth – are eaten to celebrate Tet, the Vietnamese New Year.

In attempt to discourage the practice of eating endangered species, public-service announcements hosted by Vietnamese sports and entertainment celebrities will begin this month.

Last year, Vietnamese authorities seized more than 50 tons of trafficked wild animals.

Source: Deutsche Presse-Agentur