YANGON, Jan. 6 (Xinhua) -- Myanmar authorities have seized illegally transported snakes in Hsenwi township, the country's northern Shan state, the official Global New Light of Myanmar reported Sunday.

The confiscation was made by local police at Vepu check point in Hsenwi on Friday when a coordinated team searched for a suspected vehicle, finding 96 plastic boxes packed with snakes in a car.

Two suspects have been filed by the Forest Department in accordance with the Protection of Wildlife and Wild Plants and Conservation of Natural Areas Law.

The authorities said they are working to expose networks in relation to illegal buying, selling and transporting wild animals from the region.

Poaching and illegal trade of wildlife have been growing in recent years in Myanmar.

The Forest Department said the confiscated items of wildlife were destroyed to raise public awareness for law enforcement on illegal trade of wildlife.