BEIJING - CHINESE police searching a van for drugs instead found 173 bear paws that appeared to be on the way to traditional Chinese medicine markets, state press reported on Tuesday.

Counter narcotics police found the paws, which weighed 384 kilograms, during an inspection of the van travelling in southern Guangxi province on Sunday, the China Daily reported.

Police had suspected the van was running drugs, it said.

They also discovered other rare animals including a dead pangolin and four python skins, it said.

It was not immediately clear if transporting the animal parts was a crime, especially as bear paws are a much-sought-after ingredient in traditional Chinese medicine, Xinhua news agency said.

The paws are also regarded as a rare delicacy and are believed to be able to enhance the health of the stomach, cure injuries, dispel colds and build strength, Xinhua said. -- AFP