🦂 Shocking discovery in Shein parcel
University of Bristol student Sofia Alonso-Mossinger, 18, opened her Shein order and got a shock when a live scorpion crawled out. "I thought it was a toy," Sofia said, "then it moved." The scorpion was found inside a package containing a pair of boots she had ordered online. Her flatmates helped her deal with the situation, though she admitted it was "pretty scary" having the venomous creature in her room.
📦 A venomous stowaway
The scorpion, identified as Olivierus martensii, a species native to China, is venomous and could cause a "medically significant" sting. However, experts reassured that an average adult would just have a "bad day" if stung. Flatmate Oliver James, a zoology student, carefully transferred the scorpion to a plastic container using kitchen tongs. The group gave it water before contacting the National Centre for Reptile Welfare (NCRW).
🛠 Shein's response to the incident
Following the incident, China-based Shein conducted an internal investigation. The company confirmed that all standard operating procedures had been followed in their warehouse. A spokesperson said, "Our teams have inspected the goods and the packing process." Despite adhering to their protocols, the company is working with Sofia to resolve the situation.
📈 Increased reports of stowaways
NCRW's Chris Newman commented on the surprising frequency of such incidents, noting this was the second scorpion found in a package in under a month. "It's quite worrying," he said. Fortunately, there were no injuries, and the flatmates can now laugh about the experience, though Sofia admitted it was "pretty scary at the time." This story highlights the challenges faced by global e-commerce and unexpected risks in the supply chain.
How would you react if you found a scorpion in your parcel?
