Media Release
21/01/05

MAF Quarantine Intercepts Bird Egg Smuggler

The Ministry of Agriculture’s Quarantine Service has intercepted a bird egg smuggler at Auckland airport.

On 11 January 2005, a male passenger off an inbound Melbourne flight was searched by MAF staff following an indication from a Quarantine detector dog.

He was found to be in possession of a bird's egg concealed in the groin area of his underwear.

The passenger, a New Zealand national, faces prosecution for charges under the Biosecurity Act 1993 which carries a penalty of a prison term up to five years and/or a fine of up to $100,000. The man potentially faces a further charge under the Trade in Endangered Species Act 1989.

The egg was seized by MAF and is being kept in quarantine until it hatches to aid the identification of the species.

ENDS

© Scoop Media