A WOMAN is alleged to have tried to smuggle 51 live tropical fish into Australia concealed beneath her skirt.
The woman, 43, from Rosanna in Victoria, arrived at Melbourne airport on a flight from Singapore on Friday. Customs officers said they were alerted by "flipping" noises coming from the vicinity of her waist.
The woman was found to have 15 water-filled plastic bags concealed beneath her skirt, suspended in a purpose-built apron, Australian Customs Service acting regional director Jaclyne Fisher said.
Efforts were continuing to identify the fish found inside the bags, Ms Fisher said.
A Rosanna home had also been searched by authorities and another five fish seized, she said.
"The fish ... could have posed potentially serious quarantine, environmental and health risks had they not been seized by customs," Ms Fisher said.
The woman is facing a maximum penalty for the illegal importation of wildlife of $110,000 and 10 years in jail.
The woman, 43, from Rosanna in Victoria, arrived at Melbourne airport on a flight from Singapore on Friday. Customs officers said they were alerted by "flipping" noises coming from the vicinity of her waist.
The woman was found to have 15 water-filled plastic bags concealed beneath her skirt, suspended in a purpose-built apron, Australian Customs Service acting regional director Jaclyne Fisher said.
Efforts were continuing to identify the fish found inside the bags, Ms Fisher said.
A Rosanna home had also been searched by authorities and another five fish seized, she said.
"The fish ... could have posed potentially serious quarantine, environmental and health risks had they not been seized by customs," Ms Fisher said.
The woman is facing a maximum penalty for the illegal importation of wildlife of $110,000 and 10 years in jail.
Hoe verzin je zoiets!!!!