Man arrested over attempt to smuggle live fish into Australia
A Vietnamese man has been arrested at Adelaide Airport after he allegedly attempted to smuggle a live fish into the country.
The 34-year-old was stopped by Australian Border Force (ABF) officers for a baggage check when he arrived in Adelaide from Malaysia.
It’s alleged he had the live Fully Red Asian Arowana in a bag hanging around his neck.
The fish was identified and assessed for its biosecurity risk by the Department of Agriculture and Water Resources.
ABF SA chief Brett Liebich said the force was committed to protecting Australia’s national wildlife from potential foreign diseases and predators.
“The ABF takes the illegal wildlife trade seriously,” he said.
In Australia, it is illegal to own an Asian Arowana unless it is legally imported.
The man was granted bail to appear in the Adelaide Magistrates Court on May 15.
The maximum penalty for trade offences in Australia is 10 years in jail and a fine of up to $210,000 for individuals or up to $1,050,000 for corporations.
Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@yahoonews.com.
You can also follow us on Facebook and stay up to date with the latest news with Yahoo’s daily newsletter. Sign up here.
