Aussies warned of $330,000 fine after 500 ants discovered in Australia Post parcels
Since April this year, a record 27 packages destined for foreign countries have been confiscated after the Australian Border Force and Australia Post discovered 500 ants and nine burrowing cockroaches concealed in children's toys, cushions, TicTac containers, and inside an air fryer.
The insects were bound for Canada, France, and Hong Kong, where ant queens can be sold for up to AU$3,000.
The Minister for the Environment and Water, Senator Murray Watt, said in a statement:
'It's concerning that we've seen a sharp increase in native insects being dug up from their natural habitats and smuggled overseas illegally. Anyone found to be exporting regulated native species without a permit can face up to 10 years' imprisonment and fines of up to $330,000.'
Video transcript
Aussies have been warned of $300,000 fines after an unprecedented number of parcels containing native insects were seized by authorities in New South Wales.
Since April this year, a record 27 packages destined for foreign countries have been confiscated after the Australian Border Force and Australia Post discovered 500 ants and 9 burrowing cockroaches concealed in children's toys and cushions, tic-tac containers, and inside an air fryer.
The insects were bound for Canada, France, and Hong Kong, where ant queens can be sold for up to $3000.
The Minister for the Environment and Water, Senator Murray Watt, said in a statement, it's concerning that we've seen a sharp increase in native insects being dug up from their natural habitats and smuggled overseas illegally.
Anyone found to be exporting regulated native species without a permit can face up to 10 years imprisonment and fines of up to $330,000.
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