A Vietnamese man's attempt to smuggle live tropical fish into New
Zealand in his trouser pockets floundered when water was spotted
dripping from his clothes. Customs officials noticed the man's cargo
pants had bulging pockets with water dripping through the fabric when he
arrived at Auckland airport this week from Australia.
The passenger said he was carrying water from the plane because he was thirsty. When
asked to show what was in his pockets, the passenger revealed two
plastic bags containing water and seven live fish. The man said he was
bringing the fish into New Zealand for a friend.
A spokesman for the Ministry for Primary Industries said the find was
very rare. "We have previously intercepted crabs and other live animals
but it's not a common occurrence." The man has been summoned to appear
in Manukau District Court on biosecurity charges and could face a fine
of up to $100,000 or five years imprisonment. MPI local passenger
manager Craig Hughes said the deliberate attempt to smuggle fish into
the country posed a serious biosecurity risk.
"That's something we take very seriously, which is why we are laying
charges under the Biosecurity Act." The fish have been identified as
cichlids, although the exact species is unknown at this stage. "The fish
could have been carrying diseases or have the potential to displace
native species," Hughes said. "Even if the species were permitted to
enter the country under New Zealand's import regulations, it would still
need to go through strict quarantine procedures."
There's an audio
news report here.
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