Australia Post workers' worrying find in 27 packages prompts $330,000 warning
Since April, a record 27 parcels destined for various countries and territories were confiscated in NSW after the Australian Border Force and Australia Post detected an array of insects illegally hidden inside, according to a statement released by Senator Murray Watt, Minister for the Environment and Water, on Monday.
Hundreds of ants found hidden inside household items
With the help of X-ray screening, authorities working in collaboration with the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water's (DCCEEW) environmental crime team discovered approximately 500 ants, including queens, and nine giant burrowing cockroaches concealed in everyday household items such as children's toys, cushions, Tic Tac mints and an air fryer.
The ants and invertebrates were bound for Canada, France and Hong Kong, where they can fetch a lucrative price. While a single ant queen costs about $300 in Australia, overseas buyers are forking out two to 10 times this amount.
Ants can be mailed lawfully as long as the sender has applied for a DCCEEW wildlife harvest and commercial export permit.
🐜 Disturbing online discovery reveals multi-million dollar threat
🧳 2,114 illegal items seized during huge border sting
🐢 Strange smell leads to shocking discovery inside packages sent to Australia
'Sharp increase' in international wildlife trade is 'concerning'
The illegal international wildlife trade has escalated in recent years, according to the Centre for Invasive Species Solutions, which has expressed fears for the safety of Australia's unique environment.
Senator Watt described the recent 'sharp increase in native insects being dug up from their natural habitats and smuggled overseas illegally' as 'concerning'.
'Ants and cockroaches are nature's recyclers and play a pivotal role in our ecosystem. Their illegal export threatens Australia's biodiversity and unique places such as our beloved national parks,' he said.
'Through the work of our expanded environmental crime team and our collaboration with the Australian Border Force and Australia Post we are increasingly catching and prosecuting these wildlife criminals.
'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.'
Anyone with information about the import and export of wildlife is encouraged to contact Border Watch or DCCEEW. Information can be provided anonymously.
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