Woman caught smuggling tropical fish at Melbourne airport

Airline Industry Information, June 7, 2005

AIRLINE INDUSTRY INFORMATION-(C)1997-2005 M2 COMMUNICATIONS LTD

On Friday (3 June) customs officials at Melbourne airport, Australia, stopped a woman smuggling tropical fish, customs officials said Monday (6 June).

The 43-year-old woman, who arrived on a flight from Singapore, was allegedly carrying 51 live tropical fish hidden in a specially designed apron under her skirt.

The exact species of the fish were not known, but they could carry diseases potentially dangerous for Australian fish if they escaped into local rivers, the customs officials said.

If convicted of smuggling wildlife, the woman faces up to 10 years in prison and AUD80,000 fine, reported BBC.

((Comments on this story may be sent to aii.feedback@m2.com))