An Australian man arriving into Melbourne International Airport has been fined more than $6,000 for carrying pigeon eggs and tobacco.
Australian Border Force (ABF) officers targeting travellers attempting to bring prohibited goods into Australia, questioned the traveller as he arrived on Tuesday (1 May 2024) and performed a baggage examination.
During the examination, ABF officers located 23 pigeon eggs in a metal box wrapped in cotton and aluminium foil.
Officers also located 9,750 grams of undeclared Nakhla - a popular type of Shisha tobacco - concealed within various vacuum sealed sunflower seeds in the traveller's baggage.
The traveller opted to abandon the undeclared tobacco
The pigeon eggs were referred to Biosecurity officers and the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) fined the man $6,260.
ABF Superintendent Kelly-anne Parish said ABF officers are highly trained and employ sophisticated detection technology at the border to ensure prohibited goods do not make it into the community.
"Our message to individuals attempting to bring illicit goods into Australia is simple - do not engage in this activity because we will hold you to account and it will result in significant financial penalties," Superintendent Parish said.
Members of the community are encouraged to report suspicious border-related activity through Border Watch at abf.gov.au/borderwatch.
By reporting suspicious activities, you help protect Australia's border and the community. Reports can be made anonymously.
