Police Detain 3 For Pestering Travelers at Pudong Airport to Carry Luggage Abroad

Three people have been placed under administrative detention after repeatedly pressuring other passengers to help carry excess luggage at Shanghai Pudong International Airport, Shanghai police said.

Police said the incident happened on April 14 after a man surnamed Wang arranged for two others, identified by their surnames Li and Liu, to buy a large quantity of duty-free goods at the airport and take them abroad for resale. When their baggage exceeded airline limits, Li and Liu went to the departure gate and tried to persuade other travelers to help split the load.

Investigators said Li approached more than 10 passengers at the boarding gate. After being refused, Li repeatedly continued to pester travelers and blocked the passageway, disrupting order at the scene.

Wang, Li and Liu were punished for disrupting order in a public place, police said. The incident drew attention after a traveler posted online that a young woman at Pudong airport had asked her to help carry a black suitcase onto a Hong Kong-bound flight.