http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2009/feb/03/pigeon-trousers-customs-australia-dubai
Pigeons found down traveller's trousers
Birds were strapped to legs of Australian man returning to Melbourne from Dubai, customs officials say
Pigeons found down traveller's trousers
Birds were strapped to legs of Australian man returning to Melbourne from Dubai, customs officials say
Two pigeons found stuffed down the trousers of a traveller arriving in Melbourne from Dubai. Photograph: Australian Customs Service/AP
An Australian traveller was caught with two live pigeons stuffed in his trousers as he returned from a trip to the Middle East, customs officials said today.
The 23-year-old man was searched after authorities discovered two eggs in a vitamin container in his luggage, said Richard Janeczko, the national investigations manager for the customs service.
They found the pigeons wrapped in padded envelopes and strapped to each of the man's legs with a pair of tights. Officials also seized seeds in his money belt and an undeclared eggplant.
The alleged bird smuggler, who arrived in Melbourne on Sunday on a flight from Dubai, was being questioned, the officials said.
Australia has very strict quarantine regulations on the importation of wildlife, plants and food to protect health, agriculture and the environment. Charges of wildlife smuggling carry a maximum penalty of 10 years imprisonment and a fine of 110,000 Australian dollars (£50,000).
Janeczko said the pigeons were not endangered and that the inquiry as well as the birds, eggs and seeds, had been turned over to the quarantine service.
Pigeons found down traveller's trousers
Birds were strapped to legs of Australian man returning to Melbourne from Dubai, customs officials say
Pigeons found down traveller's trousers
Birds were strapped to legs of Australian man returning to Melbourne from Dubai, customs officials say
- Associated Press
- guardian.co.uk, Tuesday 3 February 2009 09.55 GMT
- Article history
An Australian traveller was caught with two live pigeons stuffed in his trousers as he returned from a trip to the Middle East, customs officials said today.
The 23-year-old man was searched after authorities discovered two eggs in a vitamin container in his luggage, said Richard Janeczko, the national investigations manager for the customs service.
They found the pigeons wrapped in padded envelopes and strapped to each of the man's legs with a pair of tights. Officials also seized seeds in his money belt and an undeclared eggplant.
The alleged bird smuggler, who arrived in Melbourne on Sunday on a flight from Dubai, was being questioned, the officials said.
Australia has very strict quarantine regulations on the importation of wildlife, plants and food to protect health, agriculture and the environment. Charges of wildlife smuggling carry a maximum penalty of 10 years imprisonment and a fine of 110,000 Australian dollars (£50,000).
Janeczko said the pigeons were not endangered and that the inquiry as well as the birds, eggs and seeds, had been turned over to the quarantine service.
