Fijian Refused Entry Into New Zealand For Carrying Plant Seeds
Biosecurity New Zealand officers found material concealed in medicine containers.
Monday 05 August 2019 | 17:02
A Fijian passport holder was refused entry into New Zealand after attempting to smuggle in seeds and other fresh plant material.
According to Biosecurity New Zealand, the traveller arrived at Auckland Airport on Friday afternoon, August 02, 2019.
The Fijian passport-holder admitted planning to plant seeds at her daughter's house after Biosecurity New Zealand officers found material concealed in medicine containers.
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The officers detected 4 different seed types and fresh chillies in the woman's baggage.
"It was a clear case of smuggling – a reckless act that could have brought dangerous pests or diseases into New Zealand," said Biosecurity NZ spokesperson Steve Gilbert.
"In cases like this, we have the choices of prosecution or referring the offender to Immigration New Zealand.
"Both agencies agreed the incident was sufficiently serious enough to refuse the passenger entry into New Zealand and for her to be returned to Fiji.
"We hope the word will spread among travellers that this type of risky behaviour is unacceptable to New Zealand."
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