Online plant seller sentenced to jail after secret find in 'lingerie and shoe' package
The Department of Agriculture (DAF) revealed packages containing the plants were illegally mislabelled as containing shoes and lingerie. There are strict biosecurity laws when it comes to importing goods into Australia, and accurate declarations about a package's contents must be made.
On Tuesday, DAF revealed details of the investigation that led to Queensland woman Kirsten Mae Fearn pleading guilty to 14 biosecurity charges in Brisbane Magistrates Court in July.
On multiple occasions, between 2021 and 2024, DAF officers intercepted plants addressed to Fearn, which they allege she intended to sell through her Rockford Plant House business. But the charges specifically related to packages that were sent from Hong Kong in November, 2023. An additional 50 succulents were later seized from the woman's home nursery.
She was sentenced to six months in prison and was immediately released on a Recognizance Release Order, similar to a good behaviour bond.
Illegal plants pose danger to Australia's environment
DAF's deputy secretary of biosecurity, Justine Saunders, said attempts were made to 'educate' the woman, but her 'illegal activity' continued, so a decision was made to pursue a criminal prosecution in the courts.
'Our biosecurity laws are vital to the health of Australia's economy and environment,' she said.
'Those who risk Australia's environment by deliberately trying to bypass our strict requirements will be caught and face the consequences.'
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People illegally importing plants into Australia can face serious consequences because they can carry pests that threaten the environment and agricultural industries. Penalties can be up to 10 years in jail and a $660,000 fine.
Anyone with information about breaches to biosecurity is urged to contact 1800 798 636.
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